Russian Helicopters holding company unveiled its Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter at the LIMA 2025 international exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia, which is taking place on the island from May 20th to 24th. The Mi-171A3 is specifically designed for oil and gas companies. A key feature of this aircraft is its powerplant – the VK-2500PS-03 engine, featuring a smart control system, which offers superior adaptability to varied operating conditions and enhanced reliability when performing offshore tasks. This was announced by the United Engine Corporation’s press office.
The Mi-171A3 has been developed with the specific needs of offshore oil and gas companies in mind. Its primary role is to transport personnel and cargo to drilling platforms, as well as to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations over the open sea. The helicopter meets modern safety requirements for aviation equipment operating in harsh maritime environments. The Mi-171A3 is capable of Category A and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations, transporting up to four tonnes of cargo or carrying up to 24 passengers day or night, on land or at sea.
The aircraft is certified to modern civil airworthiness standards. Further development of the Mi-171A3 and increasing the airframe’s service life are planned, the crucial static fatigue tests.
The VK-2500PS-03 turboshaft engine with a free turbine has been developed by UEC-Klimov, a St. Petersburg based company, and represents a state-of-the-art powerplant intended for use in civil helicopter aviation. A distinctive feature of the powerplant is its ability to automatically adapt to changes in the environment by using a modern automatic regulation and control system with full authority, BARK-6V-7S.
“The VK-2500PS-03 is capable of operating in any geographical location, while resisting sea mist and seawater,” UEC commented. “The engine was developed with all possible operating conditions in mind, so the design solutions, materials, and coatings significantly improve operational qualities. For example, modern engine blade materials prevent corrosion. It operates reliably at temperatures from minus 50 ºC to plus 60 ºC, and reliable engine starting has been proven at altitudes of up to 6,000 m.”
The design of the VK-2500PS-03 engine blades may incorporate heat-resistant nickel and cobalt alloys, as well as protective coatings such as aluminising and plasma spraying. Such materials and technologies are typical of modern turboshaft engines and ensure resistance to corrosion in aggressive environments, including maritime conditions. The precise composition of the alloys and coatings in the VK-2500PS-03 is not disclosed by the manufacturer.
The VK-2500PS-03 is designed for installation on helicopters of the Mi-8/17 family and other civil aircraft. Further modernisation of the engine, planned by the Ministry of Industry and Trade by the end of 2027, is aimed at compliance with international IOGP standards and meeting the needs of fuel and energy companies in the field of air transport over water surfaces.
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