Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Centre has received approval from Rosaviatsia to operate Mi-171A2 helicopters from airfields and take-off and landing sites at altitudes up to 5,000 metres above sea level. The corresponding change was made to the type certificate, the press service of Russian Helicopters said.
During additional certification tests, the Mi-171A2 helicopter performed several dozen flights in the mountainous regions of Kabardino-Balkaria and the foothills of the Elbrus Mountains. At the same time, the load on the aircraft was gradually increased, bringing the take-off weight to the maximum allowable 13 tonnes. The flights with all load variants were conducted in normal mode. During the tests, the machine confirmed its reliability, safety and ability to operate in extreme mountain conditions
“The Mi-171A2 helicopter can operate at temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees centigrade. And now the Mi-171A2 has received approval from Rosaviatsia for operation in the high mountains. Expansion of the machine’s capabilities will certainly attract new customers both in Russia and abroad,” Rostec’s aviation cluster noted.
Mil and Kamov test pilots checked the operation of engines, auxiliary power unit, oxygen equipment, pilot and navigation system and other main systems of the helicopter in the high altitude conditions. The helicopter’s thrust reserve was assessed during takeoff and landing in thin air conditions, as well as its controllability, stability, manoeuvrability and climb rate at different altitudes.
The Mi-171A2 also underwent tests with simulation of emergency situations on a high-mountainous site: the helicopter demonstrated safe landing and take-off when simulating the failure of one engine. Such a manoeuvre is a particularly difficult task in thin mountain air and requires not only sufficient engine power reserve, but also high efficiency of the load-bearing system.
The Mi-171A2 multi-purpose helicopter is certified under category “A”, which confirms its compliance with the most stringent flight safety standards. A special feature of the machine’s design is a new-generation main rotor with composite blades, as well as an X-shaped tail rotor. The aircraft is equipped with VK-2500PS-03 engines with BARC digital automatic control system. Its application made it possible to maintain an optimal power range, including when operating at high altitude and in areas with hot and maritime climate.
The helicopter is equipped with a domestic pilot and navigation system with data indication on liquid crystal displays. The avionics system ensures flights in difficult weather conditions, reduces the workload on pilots and has made it possible to reduce the crew to two people.
