MOSCOW: Russia has completed test of an advanced multi-role Mi-171A2helicopter at extremely low temperatures, Xinhua reported on Wednesday.
Quoting a news release issued by the Russian Helicopter Holding of theRostec State Corporation, the news agency said the company has confirmedthe successful trials of the latest multi-role Mi-171A2 helicopters inYakutia, where the temperature was at 50 degrees Centigrade below zero.
According to Xinhua, two Mi-171A2 helicopters performed eight ground runs(when engines were switched on without taking off) and 36 flights onspecial programme.
The results of tests proved that the systems and avionic device of Mi-171A2helicopters can be operated in extremely harsh climatic conditions.
All necessary objective data and documents required for furthercertification of the helicopter have been obtained, the company added.
Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov earlier describedMi-171A2 as “one of the most anticipated helicopters of the Russianhelicopter industry.”
Equipped with engines VK-2500PS-03, Mi-171A2 is a modernized version ofMi-8/Mi-17 helicopter. It is reported that more than 80 improvements weremade to the design of the helicopter. The first prototype of Mi-171A2flight tests took place in early 2014.