OREANDA-NEWS.  February 13, 2012.  Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian industry giant Oboronprom, presented its Mi-171A2 model at HeliExpo 2012 in Dallas, TX. The helicopter was displayed at booth number 3422. This is a heavily modernised and revamped version of the Mi-8/17, the Russian bestseller that ranks among the most popular helicopters in the world.

“Russian Helicopters have become a permanent exhibitor at HeliExpo, one of the best platforms in the world for demonstrating new models and sharing industry achievements,” Russian Helicopters CEO Dmitry Petrov said. “We have decided to showcase the new Mi-171A2 in the USA in addition to the Ka-32A11BC that is already known in North America. I am confident that the Mi-171A2 will help Russia retain its leadership[1] in the medium helicopter class, offering current and future customers all over the world unsurpassed performance, reliability, and safety that are the traditional advantages of rotorcraft of Russian make.”

The Mi-171A2 will benefit from new engines with more output that will improve its flight range and load-carrying capacity. A new rotor system based on composite blades, an enhanced transmission, and an X-shaped tail rotor will be the main differences of the modernised machine that is set to become one of the key products of Russian Helicopters in the medium class.

An integrated avionics suite and a glass cockpit will ensure a more informative environment for pilots. Flight data presented in a clear and concise fashion on large displays will improve flight safety and reduce pilot fatigue.

Mi-171A2 customers will benefit from over 100 advancements that improve the performance of the helicopter, make operations more effective, and reduce the cost per flight hour, to the benefit of any helicopter business.

Commercial and state operators of Mi-8/17 worldwide were invited to jointly work out requirements to a new model. Eventually the helicopter should replace the wide variety of Mi-8/17 models, becoming a single modern choice for global operations. Serial certified Mi-171A2 are slotted for first deliveries in 2014. The Mi-171A2 will be certified under AR IAC norms and similar norms in other regions and countries worldwide.

The Mi-171A2 is under development by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. The new model is based on the Mi-171A1 – one of the most advanced modifications in terms of safety in the Mi-8/17 family – produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant and certified by AR IAC and the Brazilian aviation authorities.