Second Mi-171A2 enters flight testing
Russian Helicopters has begun flight testing the second Mi-171A2 helicopter prototype at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the company announced on 9 November.
In addition to the flight testing, pre-flight and certification testing are also currently underway.
The Mi-171A2 medium multirole helicopter is the latest development in the Mi-8/Mi17 series, with improved technical features and higher safety, comfort and automation levels.
The aircraft is equipped with a full FADEC VK-2500PS-03 engine and an auxiliary power plant by Safir, and the KBO-17 avionics suite.
The aircraft uses composite blades, and upgrades to the swashplate and bushing have reduced the total weight of the main rotor and increased thrust by 700kg. An X-shaped tail rotor with composite blades has also been added to increase responsiveness and reduce noise.
The helicopter’s total take-off weight has increased by 1,000kg in category A. The maximum cargo load carryable on an external sling has also increased 25% to 5,000kg. Its cruising, maximum speeds and maximum flight time have also increased.
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