The public will get to see demonstrations of Mi-171A3, Ka-32A11M and Ansat-M helicopters.
Mi-171A3
Mi-171A3 is the first Russian helicopter designed for offshore operations and maintenance of offshore drilling platforms. It has been developed in accordance with the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) standards and fully meets the strict requirements for safe flight over vast bodies of water.
The model can transport passengers and cargo, and can also be fitted with special systems, on-board winches and medical equipment required for search and rescue operations. This conversion can be done on-site at the helicopter’s base of operations.
Mi-171A3 was designed completely in digital format, allowing effective industrial cooperation within the Russian Helicopters holding company and bringing together required competencies. Various parts of the fuselage are manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, the Far Eastern Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company (AAK) and at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, where the final assembly also takes place. The first Mi-171A3 prototype will be present at MAKS-2021. After the event, the model will proceed to further ground testing and will make its first flight in early 2022.
Extensive use of composite materials has allowed making significant improvements to the model’s flight and commercial performance. Mi-171A3 has unique transport capabilities within its class: it can carry 24 passengers, while foreign counterparts can accommodate up to 19 people. Mi-171A3 is still cheaper than its foreign competitors, with one flight hour costing at least 20% less.
The first customers for Mi-171A3 are Russian fuel and energy companies, which have closely participated in designing the technical appearance of the model. The new model is expected to have significant future demand on the global market.
Ka-32A11M
The multifunctional Ka-32A11M is a heavily upgraded version of the internationally successful Ka-32A11BC. The exhibition will host a prototype of a modernized model equipped with modern VK-2500PS-02 gas turbine engines with automated digital electronic control system. The increased power output of the engines allows the installation of an external cargo sling on the helicopter, increasing its lifting capacity to 5,300 kg.
The Ka-32A11M also comes with a glass cockpit with the new KBO-32 digital avionics suite, allowing the helicopter to be operated at any time of day or night, in any weather, over land and at sea. The model also comes with upgraded electronics and switching systems, as well as internal and external lighting equipment. The cockpit is adapted to work with night vision goggles.
The helicopter’s firefighting capabilities have been significantly expanded with the new SP-32 fire-extinguishing system, developed by the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (KumAPP). It allows delivering up to 4,000 liters of extinguishing liquid and executing a controlled discharge even in sub-zero temperatures.
Ansat-M
The modernized light Ansat-M is another helicopter to be premiered at MAKS-2021. The model made its first flight at the end of 2020. Ansat-M has already completed certification tests for expanded fuel system and confirmed its increased range as 640 km. With an additional fuel tank, the flight range can be further increased to 790 km, which is a key factor for many Russian and global operators.
New avionics and modern autopilot make Ansat-M capable of instrument flights. New blades with upgraded aerodynamics used in both its main and tail rotors improve the model’s overall performance, increasing takeoff weight to 3,800 kg and reducing noise levels both inside the cabin and on the ground. The modernized model has also upgraded tail, new lighting equipment, and ventilation and air conditioning systems. The ratio of composite materials used in its construction has increased from 15 percent to 35 percent, reducing the weight of the helicopter and improving its flight characteristics.
Ka-226T Upgrade
A prototype of the helicopter was presented during MAKS-2021. The helicopter will start a series of test flights in autumn. Key features of the new version of Ка-226Т include perfect capability of flights in high mountains; the modernization project got the “working” name “Alpinist” (Climber).
The rotorcraft has coaxial rotors, which ensures good control at the most extreme heights and in rarefied air, crosswind stability, high rate of climb, possibility of taking off and landing on sites located very high. Ка-226Т also has good performance when flying above water. It can take off and land on the deck of even small sea-going vessels.
The rotorcraft has low vibration level, it is easy to control it, it can take off and land on small sites (including in cities). It also has high precision of hovering even with cargo on an external sling, and it is safe for passengers to get into it even with operating rotors.
Modernized Ка-226Т has significant differences from previous models of Ка-226 family. The helicopter has a new glider-like design with considerably better aerodynamics. The fuselage is made of modern light materials, the control system and power system of the helicopter have been upgraded, and a shock- and crash-resistant fuel system meeting high safety requirements is installed. At the same time, fuel tank volume was increased, and centralized fueling was provided. The helicopter also has a new avionics system.
Compared to previous models, upgraded Ка-226Т will have better performance. For instance, its flights will be longer, the weight of the helicopter without passengers and cargo will be lower, the range will be increased, and the rotorcraft will be capable of operation at heights of up to 6,500 meters. The helicopter can have options such as oxygen equipment, ballonets, air conditioning and heating system, and its certification for passenger transportation is planned.
Serial production of Ка-226Т “Climber” helicopter is to start in 2022 at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant in close cooperation with JSC Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (KAPE).
Ka-32A11M
Ka-226T
Ramenskoye See also |
Russian Helicopters 
