OREANDA-NEWS. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP), a Russian Helicopters company, has produced the 750th Mi-8AMT (the export designation – Mi-171). The landmark was achieved on the eve of the MAKS 2013 International Aviation & Space Salon, one of the largest aviation forums anywhere in the world.

The Mi-8AMTSh will enter service with the Russian Defence Ministry. According to the Ministry, the ruggedness, reliability and survivability of Mi-8/17-series helicopters have repeatedly proven themselves when carrying out missions. These helicopters have on numerous occasions saved the lives of their crew and passengers, delivered essential cargoes and ferried wounded people to get medical treatment. The helicopter has proved to be a versatile machine that has earned the trust of aircrews.

“It is symbolic that this ‘landmark’ helicopter should be delivered to the Defence Ministry,” said UUAP Managing Director Leonid Belykh. “We have enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Ministry for many years, and are continuing to develop this partnership.”

Today the Mi-8AMT is fitted with various additional equipment to expand its potential uses, including a spotlight with IR filter, a FLIR system and various winches, while additional fuel tanks can be added to increase the helicopter’s range. Flight safety is provided by advanced in-cockpit piloting and navigational equipment and a system for emergency landings on water, while air-conditioning is installed for the comfort of passengers and crew.

Helicopters of the Mi-8/17 series enjoy global renown and are in constant demand, and for many years has set the standard for medium-class helicopters. The first Mi-8AMT (Mi-171) was produced in 1991. Since then, its construction and equipment have undergone continuous updating and new versions have been developed, strengthening the position of this Russian best-seller on the global market.

Russian Helicopters is now developing a new model in the Mi-8/17 series: the multirole Mi-171A2. The Company plans to demonstrate the first prototype with new on-board radio-electronic equipment and VK-2500 engines at MAKS 2013, which takes place in the town of Zhukovsky near Moscow from 27 August to 1 September. At present a number of key parts are being tested in a “flying laboratory”: a new rotor with blades made of composite materials, an X-shaped tail rotor, a modified hub and swash plate. In total more than 100 modifications are planned. Certification of the new machine is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, with deliveries to customers starting in 2015.