Russian Helicopters not only improves the existing aviation technique, but also expands the permissible ranges of its operating conditions. For example, flight tests of the Mi-171A2 multi-purpose helicopter have recently been carried out in high-altitude conditions. The equipment showed the necessary technical and operational characteristics, and also confirmed its ability to work from sites at altitudes up to 5 thousand meters.

The Mi-171A2 is an upgraded version of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter series, which has a long history of successful operations in various conditions around the world. The Mi-171A2 incorporates modern technologies and improvements to enhance its performance and capabilities.

One of the key enhancements of the Mi-171A2 is its more powerful VK-2500PS-03 engines, which provide improved power and performance at high altitudes. This allows the helicopter to operate effectively in environments with reduced air density, such as highlands or mountainous regions.

Additionally, the Mi-171A2 features an advanced digital flight control system, upgraded avionics, and a modern glass cockpit. These improvements enhance the helicopter’s maneuverability, stability, and situational awareness, making it well-suited for operations in challenging terrains.

Overall, the Mi-171A2 helicopter’s capabilities, including its engine power, flight control system, and avionics, make it suitable for operating in highlands and other demanding environments. However, it’s important to note that specific operational limitations and considerations may still apply depending on factors such as altitude, payload, and weather conditions.

Tests completed

On December 17, Russian Helicopters and the Rostec State Corporation announced the successful conduct and completion of tests of the Mi-2A29 in mountainous conditions. Recently, a heavy multi-purpose helicopter has been flying in the area of ​​the city of Elbrus and has shown its capabilities in high altitude conditions.

As reported, the Mi-171A2 took off into the air with a takeoff weight of up to 13 tons – i.e. with maximum load inside the cab. The helicopter operated from takeoff sites at altitudes up to 5 meters above sea level. Test pilots and specialists from the development organization monitored the operation of all major systems in rarefied air conditions.

Much attention was paid to the main and auxiliary power plant, carrier system, oxygen equipment, etc. The obtained characteristics were refined and various features of the work were evaluated, such as maneuverability, controllability and rate of climb.

The test program also included tests with simulated emergency situations. The behavior of equipment was worked out on the so-called. aborted landing with the shutdown of one engine during descent and go-around on the other engine. The so-called. extended takeoffs – lifting into the air with the shutdown of one of the engines in the process. The capabilities of the Mi-171A2 were tested in the rotor autorotation mode.

The tests were completed successfully. The flight performance of the helicopter provides the required level of efficiency and reliability when operating in high mountains. Having completed the tests, Russian Helicopters began to issue an addition to the existing certificate for the Mi-171A2. Based on the results of the checks, it is planned to increase the allowable takeoff and landing height to 5000 m.

Production helicopter

The future heavy multi-purpose Mi-171A2 has been developed since the end of the 1971s. It was considered as a deep modernization of the existing Mi-171A and initially bore the Mi-2012M index. The design was completed at the beginning of the tenth years, and in XNUMX the construction of the first prototype started.

The first flight of the experimental Mi-171A2 took place in November 2014. Over the next few years, the helicopter passed all the necessary tests and was recommended for production and operation. In 2017, he was issued a category “A” certificate, confirming his readiness for operation in a wide range of conditions.

By this time, Russian Helicopters had orders for several serial Mi-171A2s. In May 2018, the first serial helicopter took to the air for the first time, and a few days later it was handed over to the customer at the HeliRussia exhibition. In the future, new copies were built, tested and transferred.
According to known data, serial Mi-171A2s have so far been delivered only to Russian customers. At the same time, the holding manufacturer is making efforts to promote such equipment on the international market. Thus, the helicopter certificate is recognized in several foreign countries, which gives certain commercial prospects.

According to the current certificate, Mi-171A2 helicopters can operate from airfields and sites at altitudes up to 3500 m above sea level. Recent tests in high altitude conditions have shown that a further increase in height has practically no effect on performance. In this regard, an addition to the current certificate is being issued, which will allow working at airfields with an altitude of up to 5000 m.

Technical features

The promising Mi-171A2 helicopter was developed on the basis of existing designs of the Mi-8/17 family and accumulated experience. At the same time, a number of new systems and units, original technical solutions, etc. were used in the project. All these measures have led to the fact that “A2” is seriously different from its predecessors and has certain advantages.

The fuselage as a whole remained the same and retained its familiar look and layout. At the same time, it was redesigned taking into account the replacement of various units. Inside the fuselage, a cargo-passenger cabin with side doors and an aft ramp has been preserved. The length of such a cabin is 6,6 m with a width of 2,34 m and a height of 1,8 m. The volume is 23 cubic meters.

The cabin can be equipped with seats for passengers or special equipment of various kinds. In addition to the cargo and passenger versions, search and rescue and firefighting helicopters were offered. Inside the cabin, 20 passengers or 4 tons of cargo are transported. On the external sling, the helicopter carries 5 tons of cargo. Take-off weight with internal cargo – up to 13 tons, with cargo on the suspension – 13,5 tons.

The Mi-171A2 power plant is based on two VK-2500PS-03 turboshaft engines with a takeoff power of 2000 hp. and emergency 2700 hp The operation of the engines is controlled by a digital control system of the BARK-6V-7S type. In connection with the replacement of engines, a new main gearbox is used. A new carrier system with a five-bladed propeller and composite blades has also been developed. The tail rotor has an X-shaped design that increases its efficiency.

The helicopter received modern avionics. There is an integrated flight and navigation complex, a “glass cockpit”, etc. A separate operation and maintenance system was also introduced. It collects data on the condition of components and assemblies, and also provides information on the need for maintenance or repair.

Due to more powerful engines, it was possible to improve flight performance. The maximum speed of the Mi-171A2 reaches 280 km / h, cruising – 260 km / h. Flight range with main tanks – 800 km. The static ceiling of the helicopter reaches 4000 m, practical – 6000 m. As shown by recent tests, the machine can take off and land on high-altitude airfields and operate in rarefied air.

Expected Result

From a technical and operational point of view, the Mi-171A2 multi-purpose helicopter is already a very successful and interesting machine with broad capabilities and prospects. Together with other models of the Mi-8/17 family, such equipment is mass-produced, supplied to customers and operated in various areas – and new orders are expected.

Recent tests have shown that the potential of the design is higher than indicated in the current version of the documents. Such capabilities have been confirmed, and now the permissible operating conditions will be expanded. The Mi-171A2 will receive official permission to operate in the mountains at high altitudes. Obtaining an addition to the main certificate is now only a matter of time.