Russia’s First Ultra-light Helicopter Mi-34M1 Completes Maiden Flight

Russia’s first ultra-light helicopter, the Mi-34M1, has taken to the skies for the first time, manufacturer Russian Helicopters announced Tuesday.

The flight was conducted at the Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Center, with test pilot Sergei Barkov lifting the aircraft to assess stability, controllability, and structural loads during horizontal flight and turns. The Mi-34M1 is designed for passenger transport, monitoring missions, flight training, and aviation sports.

The helicopter is powered by the VK-650V engine developed by UEC-Klimov, part of the United Engine Corporation. During the flight, the engine performed normally and demonstrated compatibility with all onboard systems. The VK-650V has already been certified and is ready for serial production, positioning it to replace foreign-made engines previously used in light helicopters.

The Mi-34M1 features a gas turbine power plant and domestically produced onboard systems.

In a statement, Rostec said the Mi-34M1 is intended to fill a market segment previously occupied only by foreign helicopter models, which have become more expensive to operate amid restrictions on maintenance and spare parts.

The VK-650V is the first Russian-made engine designed for light helicopters with a maximum takeoff weight of up to four tons. It delivers 650 horsepower at takeoff, with a specific fuel consumption of 245 grams per horsepower-hour, and features a modular design, extended service life, and a full authority digital electronic control system.

Certification testing and preparations for serial production of the Mi-34M1 are currently underway.