Ten Mi-8AMTSh helicopters for Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

Under implementation of the Russian Federation Air Force Modernization program JSC Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant being a part of Russian Helicopters holding company supplied 10 Mi-171AMTSh (export part number Mi-171Sh) helicopters to Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Acceptance of the helicopters by the Customer was over in early December 2010. On the 21st of December, the helicopters started ferry flight from Ulan-Ude to one of the Air Force military bases in the European part of the Russian Federation.

Nowadays Mi-171AMTSh (Mi-171Sh) helicopter appears to be one of the most popular medium military transport helicopters all over the world. Experts feature versatility of the helicopter and its high performance. Due to weaponry and protective means set the helicopter bears a nickname "Terminator" given by reporters. Mi-171Sh helicopter proved out itself in military conflicts, anti-terror operations, counternarcotics actions and search and rescue operations. At that, the helicopters demonstrated high performance in highland areas and hot climate.

First deliveries of Mi-171Sh helicopter to foreign customers were fulfilled in 2002, upon completion of several tests. Over 120 helicopters were delivered through FSUE Rosoboronexport to a number of Middle East countries, South-East Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe. Remarkable fact is that the helicopters were purchased not only by Russia's partners in the field of military-technical cooperation, but also by NATO countries. During the period of 2005 to 2008, 26 helicopters were delivered to Czech Republic and Croatia.

According to the policy of the Russian Federation Government regarding modernization of the Armed Forces Ministry of Defense started purchasing Mi-171AMTSh helicopters. In 2009 a government defense order for delivery of the first batch of the helicopters was placed in JSC UUAP. In 2010, delivery of Mi-171AMTSh helicopters was continued.

Following the concept of purchasing only modern and high-efficiency weapon, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation imposed special requirements on the helicopters. So at the customer's request Mi-171Sh helicopters were equipped with new systems improving efficiency of their combat use. Besides, the helicopters are fitted with special equipment sets including search and rescue and medical facilities. In order to attain a combat task the helicopters are equipped with protective means sets, as well as avionics and instrumental equipment enabling flights in adverse weather conditions at any time of the day.

At the moment Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is planning to continue purchasing of Mi-171Sh helicopter in 2011.

Source: JSC Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant

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