Russian Helicopters Commences Assembling Production Models of Mi-171AZ Helicopter

Russian Helicopters (RusHeli) has commenced assembling the first production models of the Mi-171AZ helicopter, Russia’s dedicated chopper to operate from deep sea oil and gas platforms.

RusHeli plant at Ulan Ode has already completed the training of pilot instructors and technicians of the Aviation Training Center. In the near future, they will train representatives of operators to manage and maintain the new rotary-wing machines.

This was disclosed during a visit by The Russian Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Anton Alikhanov to the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant earlier this week, RusHeli reported in a press release.

Most Russian offshore helicopter flights are carried out by transport and ambulance helicopters. The new Mi-171AZ should combine both types of rotorcraft, becoming a kind of "station wagon," Russian publication, Reporter commented.

The need for a helicopter such as the Mi171AZ arose as current Russian helicopters do not meet the requirements of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers.

In addition, numerous foreign partners of Russia in the oil and gas industry insisted on the acquisition by Russian oil and gas operators of foreign helicopters that meet the above requirements.

The new Mi-171AZ will be able to compete with foreign rotorcraft. The device received new electronics that guarantee aerobatics in difficult weather conditions, including an autopilot, as well as a number of improvements that ensure safe operation in choppy seas.

The maximum takeoff weight of the Mi-171AZ is 13 tons, and the flight range reaches 1000 km. At the same time, the rotorcraft can carry up to 24 passengers, which is 5 people more than competing foreign helicopters. The Mi-171AZ is not only cheaper to buy than foreign competitors, its operating cost per flight hour is more than 20% lower.