Russian Helicopters Plans 2 MI-171 Delivery To China In 2016

Russian Helicopters is planning to deliver two MI-171 aircraft to China in 2016 for operation over complex terrain regions.

Mi-171 helicopters have a successful operational track record throughout China, specifically, across complex terrain and severe climate regions, the company announced Wednesday.

The helicopters can be utilized to transport various goods, deliver medicines, humanitarian aid supplies and construction materials and can also be deployed for rescue and disaster relief operations.

Mi-171 rotorcrafts were employed to evacuate people in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake in April 2013 in the Sichuan Province. Moreover, helicopter is the only means of transportation and delivery with mountain roads being left in tatters.

Russian Helicopters has received appreciation from Chinese rescuer workers and operators of helicopters for their trouble-free operation, reliability, endurance and ease of maintenance.

China remains one of the largest operators of Russian-built helicopters. Mi-8/17 helicopters are the most popular rotorcrafts in the country. The Mi-171 fleet in China numbers about 150 aircraft. In June 2014, Russian Helicopters completed the delivery of 84 Mi-171E helicopters powered by Russian-made VK-2500 engines to Chinese company Poly Technologies.