The press office of the Russian Helicopters Group within the state tech corporation Rostec announced that Russia will deliver two cutting-edge Mi-171A2 heavy multirole helicopters to Bangladesh in 2023. The contract signed is a logical continuation of the Russian Helicopters active work for promoting civil rotorcraft abroad. The company consider it as a result of the demonstration tour of helicopters in Southeast Asia in late 2018, in which the Mi-171A2 took part. The helicopter was also featured at the recent Dubai Airshow 2021 where Russia inked a deal for the delivery of two Mi-171A2 helicopters to Peru.
The Mil Mi-17 (NATO reporting name: Hip, also known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service) is a Soviet designed Russian military helicopter family in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. Mi-171 is an export version of the Mi-8AMT, built in Ulan-Ude. In 2017 Mi-171A2 was certified in Russia by category “A”, which provides for the implementation of the most stringent safety requirements for civilian helicopters. The Mi-171A2 has been certified by India, Colombia and South Korea as of late 2020, followed by Vietnam in June 2021. The Mi-171A2 certificate is also expected to be validated in China, Brazil, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.
The Mi-171A2 is furnished with VK-2500PS-03 engines with a digital control system and upgraded flight and navigation, and radio communication equipment. The helicopter can operate in high-mountain areas and hot climates. A more efficient X-shaped steering rotor, a new main rotor with composite blades and an improved aerodynamic profile have boosted the helicopter’s cruise and maximum speeds by 10% compared to serial-produced Mi-8/17 rotorcraft while its lifting capacity has grown by 25% (up to 4 tonnes of cargo inside the cargo bay or up to 5 tonnes on an external sling). Digital navigation system with data display indication reducing the crew to two people, and a new rotor system.
The Mi-171A2 is mostly used as medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, as well as an armed gunship version. The Mi-171A2 is an advanced heavy multirole helicopter that combines the distinguished operational history of the Mi-8/17 series with the latest technology to deliver outstanding levels of reliability, safety and comfort. This helicopter has been created in close collaboration with helicopter operators, and sets new standards for medium-class helicopters. Mi-171A2 is highly versatile and provides an assurance that the mission will be successful in any conditions. The multirole Mi-171A2 is a modern classic.
