The Mi-171A2 flying laboratory has concluded the second phase of preliminary flight tests. A total of 67 ground runs and 72 flights were carried out at the flight test centre at Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a Russian Helicopters enterprise (part of State Corporation Rostec).

During phase one, 43 flights were conducted on the helicopter, which was kitted out with its rotor system comprising modified components – the new main polymer composite main rotor blades and X-shaped tail rotor. The second phase of tests saw the installation of VK-2500PS-03 engines and BARK-6V7S digital regulation and control systems, a modified stabiliser and antitorque. The tests were designed to review the VK-2500PS-03 engines, stabiliser, antitorque, and main rotor with a view to carrying out additional certification testing on the Mi-171A2.

The report compiled based on the results of the preliminary flight tests was in line with the positive reviews provided by test pilots. The tests confirmed the helicopter’s aircraft performance characteristics met those specified in the design documentation.

Currently the flying laboratory is being re-equipped for tethered ground testing – the helicopter will be installed on-site after the Mi-38 concludes relay testing. This phase of tests will focus on the rotor transmission and control mechanisms, establishing whether they meet flight regulation AP-29.

The first prototype of the Mi-171A2 will simultaneously undergo preliminary tests, with 42 out of 178 flights already concluded. The second prototype of the Mi-171A2 is currently undergoing final preparations and will soon be incorporated into this flight test programme.

Unlike the flying laboratory, the first and second Mi-171A2 prototypes are equipped with a integrated digital KBO-17 avionics suite developed by Ulyanovsk Instrument Design Bureau (part of Radioelectronic Technologies). This system is built to a ‘glass cockpit’ design and makes it possible to cut crew numbers to two people. The KBO-17 suite makes it possible to carry out flights day and night in regular and difficult weather conditions – delivering a qualitatively new level of crew performance. This equipment meets the latest requirements relating to communications, navigation, and control. Thanks to the on-board controls monitoring the condition of the helicopter’s various systems and components, the helicopter can be operated in line with its technical condition.

Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant is a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. Its key areas of activity are experimental research and design, and the design, construction and testing of prototype helicopters. Since its founding, the Plant has created 12 basic models of helicopter, including the Mi-8/17, Mi-35M, Mi-26, Mi-28, Mi-38 and numerous modifications. Mi-helicopters are in operation in 110 countries worldwide and form the backbone of helicopter aviation in Russia, the CIS, as well as in countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

Russian Helicopters, (part of State Corporation Rostec), is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. In 2014 its IFRS revenues increased 22,8% to RUB 169,8 billion. Deliveries reached 271 helicopters.

State Corporation Rostec is a Russian corporation founded in 2007 for the purpose of promoting the development, production and export of hi-tech civilian and military industry products. It comprises 700 organisations, nine of which have now been formed as holding companies of the military-industrial complex, five of them are involved in civil industries and 22 are directly controlled. Rostec’s portfolio includes recognised brands such as Avtovaz, Kamaz, Russian Helicopters, and VSMPO-AVISMA. Rostec’s organisations are located in 60 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and supply their products to the markets of more than 70 countries. The revenue of Rostec in 2013 amounted to RUB 1.04 trillion. The tax deductions into the treasuries at all levels exceeded RUB 138 billion.