The helicopters flew to Sakhalin where they will be used to deliver passengers and cargo to offshore fields

Photo: Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters holding has delivered the first commercial Mi-171A3 offshore helicopters to the customer. Three fully domestically-built helicopters were made at the Ulan-Ude-based aircraft factory at the request of Gazprom. The helicopters flew from the factory to Sakhalin island where they will be used to deliver passengers and cargo to offshore fields. 

The Mi-171А3 is Russia’s first utility helicopter that meets all current aviation regulations and is designed, in particular, for flights to offshore drilling and production platforms. The helicopter was manufactured in accordance with stringent requirements of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers. 

For increased overwater flight safety, the Mi-171А3 is fitted with an emergency flotation system and life rafts for emergency ditching. Moreover, the helicopter has a crash-resistant fuel system that avoids fuel spill and fire in case of emergency landing. 

A digital autopilot allows the Mi-171A3 to fly in automatic mode on airways and in uncontrolled airspace, which considerably reduces crew workload. 

The helicopter can be quickly transformed into a search and rescue version, if required, by installing a winch, medical modules, searchlight and other equipment. Due to a high precision optical-electronic system and radar, search for seafarers in distress can be also carried out in poor visibility conditions and at night. 

The Mi-171A3 has successfully passed flight tests and inspections, proving compliance to current requirements of aviation regulations for such class of helicopters and long-term overwater flight capability.