Mi-171A3 helicopter for Offshore Operations Makes First Hover Flight

The Mi-171A3 multipurpose helicopter, developed by Russian Helicopters has begun flight tests by marking its first hover flight lasting 15 minutes.

All systems demonstrated stable operation. The machine is designed for offshore operations and maintenance of offshore drilling platforms.

During the flight, the crew performed a series of short vertical manoeuvres, as well as turns and movement of the helicopter in all directions at various speeds.

“The modern and competitive Mi-171A3 helicopter was developed in record time: the state contract for the development of a helicopter modification designed for flights to offshore drilling platforms was signed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade with the holding in 2020. The total amount of state support for the project is 1 billion rubles, ”said Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

Development of the Mi-171A3 began in 2018. The helicopter complies with IOGP (International Association of Oil and Gas Producers) standards and meets the increased requirements for ensuring the safety of flights over the water surface.

The Mi-171A3 was fully designed digitally. Various parts of the fuselage are manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, the Far Eastern enterprise AAK "Progress" and at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, where the final assembly of the helicopter is also taking place.

The Mi-171A3 has unique transport capabilities in its class: the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 13,000 kg, the number of passengers carried is up to 24 people, and the maximum flight range is 1000 km. The helicopter is designed for all-weather operation in a wide range of climatic conditions.

The onboard equipment of the Mi-171A3 will provide automatic and manual control of the helicopter at all stages of flight, from take-off to landing, with the possibility of automatic piloting both along air routes and in unregulated airspace, regardless of the degree of ground radio navigation support.