MAKS-2021 to host premieres of three helicopter models

MAKS-2021 to host premieres of three helicopter models

21-Jul-2021 Source: Rostec

The Russian Helicopters holding company of Rostec State Corporation will hold several premieres of civil helicopter industry during the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2021. The public will get to see demonstrations of Mi-171A3, Ka-32A11M and Ansat-M helicopters.

Mi-171A3 is the first Russian helicopter designed for offshore operations and maintenance of offshore drilling platforms. It has been developed in accordance with the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) standards and fully meets the strict requirements for safe flight over vast bodies of water. The model can transport passengers and cargo, and can also be fitted with special systems, on-board winches and medical equipment required for search and rescue operations. This conversion can be done on-site at the helicopter’s base of operations.

Mi-171A3 was designed completely in digital format, allowing effective industrial cooperation within the Russian Helicopters holding company and bringing together required competencies. Various parts of the fuselage are manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, the Far Eastern Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company (AAK) and at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, where the final assembly also takes place. The first Mi-171A3 prototype will be present at MAKS-2021. After the event, the model will proceed to further ground testing and will make its first flight in early 2022.

Extensive use of composite materials has allowed making significant improvements to the model’s flight and commercial performance. Mi-171A3 has unique transport capabilities within its class: it can carry 24 passengers, while foreign counterparts can accommodate up to 19 people. Mi-171A3 is still cheaper than its foreign competitors, with one flight hour costing at least 20% less.

The first customers for Mi-171A3 are Russian fuel and energy companies, which have closely participated in designing the technical appearance of the model. The new model is expected to have significant future demand on the global market.

The multifunctional Ka-32A11M is a heavily upgraded version of the internationally successful Ka-32A11BC. The exhibition will host a prototype of a modernized model equipped with modern VK-2500PS-02 gas turbine engines with automated digital electronic control system. The increased power output of the engines allows the installation of an external cargo sling on the helicopter, increasing its lifting capacity to 5,300 kg.

The Ka-32A11M also comes with a glass cockpit with the new KBO-32 digital avionics suite, allowing the helicopter to be operated at any time of day or night, in any weather, over land and at sea. The model also comes with upgraded electronics and switching systems, as well as internal and external lighting equipment. The cockpit is adapted to work with night vision goggles.

The helicopter’s firefighting capabilities have been significantly expanded with the new SP-32 fire-extinguishing system, developed by the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (KumAPP). It allows delivering up to 4,000 liters of extinguishing liquid and executing a controlled discharge even in sub-zero temperatures.

The modernized light Ansat-M is another helicopter to be premiered at MAKS-2021. The model made its first flight at the end of 2020. Ansat-M has already completed certification tests for expanded fuel system and confirmed its increased range as 640 km. With an additional fuel tank, the flight range can be further increased to 790 km, which is a key factor for many Russian and global operators.

New avionics and modern autopilot make Ansat-M capable of instrument flights. New blades with upgraded aerodynamics used in both its main and tail rotors improve the model’s overall performance, increasing takeoff weight to 3,800 kg and reducing noise levels both inside the cabin and on the ground. The modernized model has also upgraded tail, new lighting equipment, and ventilation and air conditioning systems. The ratio of composite materials used in its construction has increased from 15% to 35%, reducing the weight of the helicopter and improving its flight characteristics.

, , , , , , , ,

Copyright © 2024 HeliHub

Website by Design Inc

Helihub logo

X