Russian Helicopters will freeze the design configuration for a new-generation version of Mil's ubiquitous Mi-8/17 transport helicopter in July.
Launched last year, the Mi-171M features around 80 design enhancements over the current aircraft, including more powerful Klimov VK-2500 engines, composite main and tail rotors and an option on a glass cockpit installation.
Other improvements include a new power train and modernised main gearbox, swashplate, main rotor head and transmission designs, plus larger external fuel tanks, Russian Helicopters says.
To be capable of operating between a temperature of 50°C (122°F) to -50°C, the Mi-171M will have a range of 850km (460nm), and be able to carry an external load weighing up to 5,000kg (11,030lb). A new auxiliary power unit will also support aircraft start-up at altitudes up to 19,700ft (6,000m).
A prototype of the proposed development should fly for the first time next year, with all test and certification activities targeted for completion during 2012. Production should start the following year at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.
"One of the priorities is to keep the key advantage of the Mi-8/17 family, which is a reasonable price," Russian Helicopters says. The M version will have a reduced operating cost and increased service life over current examples, it adds.
Orders for the Mi-8/17 last year accounted for over 60% of Russian Helicopters' sales intake of 183 aircraft. The company hopes that its new production standard Mi-171M will prove equally successful.
"Our traditional markets are Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and we want to keep them," said a company source speaking at the Berlin air show earlier this month.
Almost 3,900 Mi-8/17-series helicopters are in active use around the globe, says Flightglobal's HeliCAS database, with more than 2,500 of these used by military operators.
Source: Flight Daily News
