Mi-38 begins certification tests

Russian Helicopters is conducting additional certification testing on the Mi-38-2 medium transport helicopter, the company announced on 8 September, in order to enhance the aircraft’s operational characteristics for further supplies to the Russian military.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and company specialists have already approved technical features of the helicopter, and work on further equipping the aircraft will be completed by 2018.

Russian Helicopters is aiming to widen the scope of the aircraft's roles, including medevac, search-and-rescue and assault transport. Modifications designed to perform tasks for Arctic forces are also being developed.

Work is currently being carried out to increase the maximum altitude and takeoff weight of the Mi-38-2. The helicopter will also undergo testing with an external sling, an added cargo jib and on helipads covered by snow, sand and dust.

Alexander Mikheev, chief executive officer of Russian Helicopters, said: ‘Together with the Russian MoD, our company will perform flight tests to check the compliance of the helicopter with requirements of the army.

‘The Mi-38 helicopters prepared for the Russian MoD will be equipped solely with Russian-made assemblies and components.’

The Mi-38 multirole helicopter features Russian-made TV7-117V engines and an integrated airborne digital avionics suite with five LCD screens. It can be operated in a wide range of climatic conditions, including cold, tropical and marine climates. Its navigation system features various flight modes for automatic flight, hovering, landing and levelling. 

The first serially produced Mi-38 has been already assembled at Kazan Helicopters.