Russian Helicopters Delivers First Arctic Helicopter To Defence Ministry

Russian Helicopters has delivered first Arctic helicopter to Russia’s Defence Ministry for operation in the country’s north in temperatures lower than -40°С.

The Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter, with auxiliary fuel tanks, has a range of over 1,300 km. It was developed on the basis of the Mi-8AMTSh-V, which has already been delivered to the Russian Defence Ministry.

The helicopter is fitted with equipment enabling it to operate in low temperatures, where orientation is difficult, polar night, without satellite signal, where radio links are unreliable, over great expanses of water, and a long way from base.

‘The wealth of expertise we built up in the course of the development, production and testing of the Mi-8AMTSh-VA in the Far North are also going to be incorporated into the commercial model of this Arctic helicopter,’ Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said in a company's statement today.

‘This helicopter is crucial to the development of transport infrastructure in Russia’s northern regions, and also to companies in the oil and gas sector to support offshore work.’ Mikheev added.

The contract for the delivery of helicopters that will carry out operations as part of the Arctic groupings was signed with the Russian Federation’s Defence Ministry in February, and was carried out by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.

In addition to the Russian Armed Forces, other Russian law enforcement agencies have shown considerable interest in this model.