[HeliHub.com ran a story on the sale of these helicopters prior to Russian Helicopters issuing this press release]

The Russian multi-role Mi-171A1, manufactured by the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, a subsidiary of the Russian Helicopters holding company, won the tender of Brazil national oil company Petrobras to operate in the Amazon Basin.

Brazilian operators bid in the tender and demonstrated rotorcraft of the leading global manufacturers to Petrobras: Sikorsky Aircraft, Eurocopter, and the Russian Helicopters holding company. The heavy Russian rotorcraft Mi-171A1 won the tender through its combined high characteristics and value for money. It was presented by Аtlas Taxi Aereo.

The first batch of two Mi-171A1 helicopters in transport configuration is scheduled for delivery to Brazil in 2011. At the moment the parties have confirmed the technical parameters and conditions of the delivery. Further deliveries and the creation of an MRO centre based on a Brazilian company can be reviewed in the future.

“Russian Helicopters holding company is ready to provide for the needs of our Brazilian partners in rotorcraft. With Petrobras plans to pump up its oil production in the Amazon Basin the use of Mi-171A1 helicopters in that off road region can become one for the key factors in preserving the ecology of the relic tropical forests of this unique region,” Russian Helicopters CEO Dmitry Petrov said.

The Mi-171A1 became the first Russian civil rotorcraft to be delivered to the Brazilian aviation market. Earlier in 2008 the FSUE Rosoboronexport signed a contract with the Brazilian Ministry of Defence to deliver 12 military Mi-35M helicopters manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. By this time 6 units have been delivered to the Brazilian side pursuant to that contract; according to the schedule, the final batch of Mi-35M helicopters may be delivered before end 2011.

The Mi-171A1 was certified in Brazil in 2005 and has a corresponding type certificate. It can perform night and day flights in adverse weather conditions. The Mi-171A1 can transport up to 26 passengers or 4 tons of load inside the cabin or 4 tons on an external sling. The helicopter can carry up to 12 injured with medical personnel; perform search & rescue and firefighting operations.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is an affiliated company of UIC Oboronprom. It is the managing body of the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress named after N.I. Sazykin, Arsenyev Aviation Company, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM , Novosibirsk Aircraft Repairing Plant and Helicopter Service Company.

Partners of Russian Helicopters: AirTaxi Service (interior completions and maintenance); R.E.T. Kronshtadt (aviation training systems, navigation and avionics); Tranzas (software, navigation systems, aviation simulators); CSTS Dinamika (development and manufacture of technical training means for aviation flight and engineering personnel); BETA AIR (testing equipment and aviation electronics); Ural Works of Civil Aviation (specializes in the repair of helicopter engines and components and reductors).

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. A part of Russian Technologies State Enterprise. Its main tasks include helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters managing company), engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company).