Russian Helicopters delivers Mi-8AMTSh-VA
Russian Helicopters' Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant has delivered the first Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter to the Russian Defence Ministry’s Arctic groupings, the company announced on 25 November.
The helicopter is based on the Mi-8AMTSh-V. It has been optimised for operations in the lower temperatures of the country's northern region, where orientation is difficult during the months of polar night. It has been fitted with equipment to operate without satellite signal, where radio links are unreliable, and over great expanses of water; and has auxiliary fuel tanks to enable operational ranges of 1,300km.
The helicopter features Klimov-made VK-2500-03 engines and enhanced gears, crew and cargo cabin heating systems, enhanced insulation and insulating shades, built-in systems to heat the powerplant and gears, Teflon hose incorporated into the hydraulics, and oil and fuel systems to ensure that the helicopter can operate in very low temperatures.
It also features digital autopilot, weather radar, and a range of navigation systems – duplicate satellite systems, digital avionics enhanced with built-in map generation and strapdown inertial reference systems - enabling it to identify its current coordinates in the event that satellite signal is lost. Special covers have been fitted to increase the efficiency of the systems responsible for heating the main components in temperatures below -40°С.
The contract for the delivery of helicopters was signed with the Russian defence ministry in February.
Alexander Mikheev, CEO, Russian Helicopters, said: ‘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.’
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