Helicopters of Russia specialists have started the trials of Mi-171A2 and Ansat helicopters. Mi-171A2 will perform a series of flights in the Astrakhan region, and their results will be used to prove this model’s operability at ambient temperatures up to +50°C. The next step will be trials in Nalchik: onboard equipment will be tested in mountainous terrain. Meanwhile Ansat will be tested on Elbrus. Trial results are supposed to confirm the helicopter’s operability in mountainous areas at altitudes up to 2,500 meters.
"As the Holding plans to certify Ansat and Mi-171A2 in a number of countries, at the moment it is important for us to check and document the maximum capacity of these helicopters," said Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Helicopters of Russia.
He also noted that the results of helicopter trials will be used in presentations for potential customers. In particular, they will be demonstrated at Airshow China, an international aerospace salon to be held in Zhuhai in November 2018.
The multifunctional helicopter Mi-171A2 is the result of an in-depth overhaul of the Mi-8/17 family. More than 80 modifications were introduced to the Mi-171A2 design. The helicopter is equipped with VK-2500PS-03 engines (civilian version of engines installed on MI-28 combat helicopters) with a digital control system.
Ansat is a light twin-engine multifunctional helicopter. According to the certificate, the helicopter design allows for its quick transformation into both cargo and passenger versions with the transportation capacity up to seven persons.
