Russian Helicopters had a busy August this year when it signed new deals and presented new models to various customers and potential buyers. JSC Russian Helicopters, a part of Rostec State Corporation, is a leading player in the global helicopter industry, the sole Russian designer and manufacturer of helicopters. The holding company was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. It operates five helicopter assembly plants, two design bureaus, component production and maintenance enterprises, aircraft repair plants and one helicopter service company providing after-sales support in Russia and abroad. Customers include the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs, EMERCOM of Russia, and other state customers, Gazpromavia, UTair Aviation company, large Russian and foreign companies.
Upgraded Mi-171Sh presented at ARMY-2020 for the first time: Russian Helicopters presented for the first time an upgraded Mi-171SH “Storm” military transport helicopter at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2020. The helicopter, featuring enhanced protection and unique strike capabilities, was manufactured at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. The first flying prototype of the helicopter was demonstrated at the forum. Mi-171Sh “Storm” is equipped with upgraded engines, a new rotor system with an improved profile composite main rotor and X-shaped tail rotor, as well as latest version of the President-S on-board aircraft defence system. The armouring effectively protects the crew and the most parts of the helicopter, as well as the troop compartment. Two sliding doors on the sides and a ramp enable ultra-fast troop deployment. In addition, the helicopter comes with improved armament, including 12.7 mm calibre machine guns and guided missile weapons with the OPS-24N-1L target sight system, which allows to engage against various ground and air targets.
New rotor blades developed: The company also announced it has developed new fully composite rotor blades designed to increase the maximum speed of Mi-28 and Mi-35 combat helicopters. The blade possesses modern aerodynamic characteristics and elastic composition. It is manufactured using the technology of one-stage compression moulding. It was tested as part of the flying laboratory of a new high-speed helicopter concept. “During the testing, the flying laboratory based on Mi-24 helicopter equipped with a set of new blades, reached a speed of more than 400 km/h without the need to change the base helicopter design. At the same time, we managed to maintain low vibration and load levels, which speaks of the high potential of this design”, said Director General of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky. The new rotor blades are currently undergoing factory flight tests on a Mi-28N helicopter.
Rostec launches serial production of upgraded Mi-35P: Russian Helicopters has launched serial production of the upgraded Mi-35P attack helicopter at the Rostvertol plant. The first serial model completed its type-specific flight tests, receiving confirmation of the declared performance characteristics and implemented changes in its design. During the tests, taking place on the premises of Rostvertol and the National Helicopter Centre Мil&Kamov, the Mi-35P performed a number of flights using new weapons and onboard equipment. The tests resulted into finalisation of the helicopter’s design documentation, confirming the model’s readiness for mass production. The upgraded Mi-35P is equipped with an upgraded target sight system with 3rd generation long-wave matrix thermal imaging, a high-resolution color TV camera and a laser rangefinder. The helicopter also comes with modern 3+ generation night vision goggles and a set of external and internal lighting equipment adapted for the use with them. New digital flight control system improves the controllability and stability of the helicopter and provides automation of piloting processes to support the pilot. In addition, a modernized targeting and computing system will increase the accuracy of target engagement. The Mi-35P is armed with a mobile 23 mm twin-barrelled cannon and S-8 rockets, and can be refitted with suspended containers with 23 mm cannons, S-13 rockets, Ataka ATGM’s with a twin-channel control system, with Vikhr-1 or Vikhr-1M guided missiles. Improved performance in combination with the improved flight and navigation systems allow Mi-35P to fly at any time of the day in simple or moderately difficult weather conditions, both under visual and instrument flying rules, in diverse geographical conditions, including over non-landmark terrain. At the same time, the helicopter retains its capability of using both guided and unguided weapons under all conditions. Mi-35P design provides the helicopter with improved combat survivability and reduces maintenance burden.
Two Mi-38 helicopters headed to the Ministry of Defence: Russian Helicopters said it has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence to supply two Mi-38 helicopters with a highly comfortable cabin. A ceremony to mark that was held as part of the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2020. The first serial Mi-38 helicopter was introduced to the general public at MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Salon, where it was demonstrated to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the President of Turkey Tayyip Recep Erdoğan. Mi-38’s foreign debut took place during the Dubai Airshow 2019 air show, where the head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov showed it to the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In February 2020, the first serial Mi-38 helicopter with a highly comfortable cabin was handed over to Gazprombank Leasing. The design of Mi-38 is based on a single-rotor scheme and a twin-engine power plant. The helicopter is made by Kazan Helicopters. The rotorcraft has two TV7-117V engines made in Russia, which are equipped with devices that protect them from dust and ensure high quality of air purification. The main structural elements of Mi-38 fuselage are made of aluminium alloys, individual components and parts are made of steel, titanium and composite materials. An advanced six-blade main rotor provides high thrust and low vibration levels. The blades are equipped with an anti-icing system, and the X-shaped tail rotor gives the helicopter excellent handling with a low noise level.
Rostec to deliver first Mi-26T2 to the Ministry of Emergency Situations: The company said the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has agreed on the delivery of the first heavy Mi-26T2 helicopter. The contract was signed during the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2020. The Mi-26T2 is an upgraded version of the Mi-26T heavy transport helicopter. It has received modern avionics, enabling operations at any time of the day, in adverse weather conditions and over terrain that lacks landmarks for orientation. The upgrade has also allowed reducing crew to three persons. The Mi-26T2 is equipped with modern navigation system. The helicopter comes with glass cockpit, systems for inertial navigation, Glonass and Navstar positioning, enhanced ground proximity warning, and energy-absorbing seats for the crew. It is equipped with a digital autopilot, capable of both navigating as well as landing the helicopter. Its enhanced avionics can significantly reduce the workload on pilots, simplify their work, and also reduce the flight preparation time. Compared to the basic version, many processes are automated. At the same time, almost all systems are redundant to increase reliability and safety. The Mi-26T2 can reach the altitude of 4600 meters and has cruising speed of 255 km/h (maximum speed is 295 km/h). Maximum take-off weight is 56 tons with a cargo of 20 tons. Range – 800 km with normal load (ferry range is 1920 km).
New deal signed for development of modern shipborne helicopter: Russian Helicopters has signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence for the development of a modern shipborne helicopter. Development work will be carried out by specialists from the National Helicopter Centre Мil&Kamov. In accordance with the approved schedules, first stage of development is planned to be completed within three years. The project will lead to the creation of universal ship-borne helicopter capable of performing search and rescue, troop transport and ASW missions.
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