Russia's Mi-38 Helicopter Debuts at MAKS 2019

Russian Helicopters today presented the first serial Mi-38 helicopter at the MAKS-2019 air show in Moscow.

The Mi-38 helicopter made by the Kazan Helicopter Plant will take part in flying, as well as static displays.

Several changes to the design of the Mi-38 helicopter have been made: these are improved aerodynamic contours of fuselage and cowling of a propulsion unit, main rotor spinners and a swashplate. Engines are placed "behind" the main rotor transmission instead of their traditional placement in front of it. This allowed reduction in aerodynamic resistance and noise level in a cockpit, and increased safety of the machine.

"Currently, certification tests of the Mi-38 helicopter have been completed. We are ready to begin supplying these machines: we are conducting negotiations with a leasing company now," said Director General of Russian Helicopters Holding Company Andrey Boginsky.

In May 2019, reports suggested that an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) based on the Mi-38 Helicopter is planned to be set up for the Russian aerospace forces.

The Mi-38 is equipped with new domestic TV7-117V engines, an integrated digital flight-navigation system with data indication on five LCD displays, an explosion-proof protected fuel system. Also, the helicopter was equipped with additional supports on the landing gear for landing on soft ground and snow.

The areas of use of the Mi-38 helicopters are cargo and passenger transportation, search and rescue operations, VIP transportation.

A passenger version of Mi-38 can accommodate up to 30 passengers, and up to eight passengers if this is a version with a highly comfortable cabin. The flight range of the new helicopter is up to 1,300 kilometers (with additional fuel tanks). Mi-38 whose maximum takeoff weight is 15.6 tonnes can carry five tonnes of payload on board or on an external sling.