Russian Helicopters presented the Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter and the Ka-226T light multipurpose helicopter at the IDEX-2023 international exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
The Mi-171A3 was presented at the foreign exhibition site for the first time. The aircraft is designed to deliver men and cargo to offshore drilling platforms, as well as for search and rescue operations in the open sea. With a maximum take-off weight of 13 tonnes the Mi-171A3 can carry up to 4 tonnes of cargo or up to 24 passengers. The flight range of the helicopter with additional fuel tanks is up to 1000 km.
The development of the Mi-171A3 was carried out on a tight schedule: design began in 2018. Two years later, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade signed a state contract with the holding company for the development, and on 30 June 2022 the prototype made its first flight, thus starting the cycle of certification tests. Type certificate for the Mi-171A3 cargo configuration will be obtained by the end of 2022.
The Mi-171A3 is equipped with a complex of onboard avionics, which ensures safe piloting over the sea in the absence of natural landmarks and satellite signals even in poor visibility. The vehicle is equipped with an emergency landing system with inflatable cylinders that keep the helicopter afloat. Two rafts, each with a capacity of 27 people, are also included. A new reinforced fuselage with extensive use of composite materials has been developed for the helicopter.
The crash-proof fuel tanks are placed in the fuselage floor beneath the passenger cabin floor, increasing the helicopter’s safety level.
The upgraded load-bearing system includes a highly efficient X-shaped tail rotor and a composite blade rotor with an improved aerodynamic layout. The Mi-171A3 is powered by two VK-2500PS-03 turboshaft engines with the BARK-6V-7S automatic control system, manufactured by the Klimov Design Bureau.
Light multipurpose helicopter Ka-226T is notable for its versatility – the helicopter-transformer is built according to the modular scheme. Four people can turn a passenger board into a vehicle for medical aviation or cargo transportation in just half an hour right at the aerodrome.
The helicopter is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 6,500 m above sea level, with a payload of 1,500 kg and a maximum flight weight of 3,800 kg.
One more important advantage of Ka-226T is a proprietary twin-screw coaxial system that considerably simplifies piloting technique, provides high maneuverability and stability of the helicopter even under high wind loads both in flight and during landing.
The helicopter is equipped with an accident-proof fuel system and a modern digital complex of onboard avionics equipment with a display (“glass cockpit”), adapted for the use of night vision goggles.
