Russian Helicopters (RH) and Rosoboronexport (ROE) have signed a contract with a foreign customer to deliver a batch of modernized Mi-171E helicopters. The contract provides for the delivery abroad of the latest modernized Mi-171E helicopters manufactured by the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters holding, Rostec, the parent company of RH and ROE said in a statement. They are equipped with the most modern avionics equipment. The name of the foreign customer and the number of helicopters has not been specified in the release. Several Russian defense and aerospace enteprises are under Western sanctions which specifically targets their international sales and supply of parts and spares.
“A major modernization of the carrier system has been carried out, which includes composite rotor blades, an X-shaped tail rotor with composite blades, a new swashplate and a reinforced transmission. The helicopter has improved stabilizer aerodynamics, an improved keel beam, and the possibility of installing both left and right sliding doors. The carrying capacity on the external sling has been increased by 20%, which is now up to 5000 kg. The most modern on-board radio-electronic equipment has been installed, which ensures round-the-clock use of the helicopter in any weather conditions,” said Aleksey Kozlov, General Director of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.
The upgraded Mi-171Es are distinguished by an improved power plant and increased carrying capacity. Helicopters of the Mi-17 type are successfully operated in high-altitude conditions in Latin American countries, in particular in police operations to combat drug smuggling. There is experience of their use in arctic conditions, in the tropical climate of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and in African countries. The upgraded Mi-171E helicopters are distinguished by an improved power plant. The machine is equipped with two VK-2500PS-03 engines. They have increased power and increased resource indicators, and are also equipped with a FADEC type digital control system.
Mi-171E is an advanced, multi-purpose helicopter produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, a part of Russian Helicopters. Developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the helicopter is a modern export variant of the Mi-8 medium multi-mission helicopter. The Mi-171E helicopters can be deployed in search-and-rescue (SAR) missions, disaster response, forest fire-fighting and medical assistance in the field. The Mi-171E features a metallic fuselage made of high-strength aluminium alloys. The fuselage integrates a five-bladed main rotor and a three-bladed tail rotor. The under hull is installed with a fixed try-cycle landing gear system. The helicopter integrates state-of-the-art flight and navigation equipment from leading Western and Russian manufacturers.
