Mi-8AMTSh-VA

Description: The MIL Mi-8, dubbed Hip by NATO, is a twin-engine, multi-role, medium transport helicopter capable of transporting troops and equipment or conducting ground attack missions. Besides, the aircraft is also suitable for civilian operators related to a variety of transportation roles. The Mi-8 was developed in the late 1950s and 1960s by the Soviet Union, first flew on July 7, 1961, entering service in 1967. The five-bladed main rotor is driven by either two TV2-117 or TV3-117 turboshaft engines rated from 1,700-shp to 2,200-shp allowing a top speed of 230-250 kilometers per hour. In addition to its crew of two/three men, the standard Mi-8 can transport as many as 24/28 troops. The Mi-17 was the export designation for the Soviet Mi-8. The Mi-171 refers to the modern production standard introduced in 1991. The aircraft design and technologies evolved over 60 years with the current production standards (various models) being far more sophisticated and performant than early models. More than 12,000 Mi-8/17/171 helicopters of all models were produced or are in production for the Soviet Union, Russia and international customers. As of November 2013, roughly 2,400 Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopters remain in service worldwide. In January 2015 that figure had increased to 2,469 aircraft with several models remaining in production beyond 2020.

The Russian Air Force Mi-8AMTSh-VA is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter optimized for use in the Arctic and Russian Far North where harsh weather conditions are predominant. Its special design allows to operate in low temperatures and low visibility including the challenging polar night. Besides, the helicopter's navigation system is able to fly even without external reference such as the GPS/GLONASS. The new helicopter was developed on the basis of the upgraded Mi-8AMTSh-V featuring two Klimov VK-2500-03 turboshaft engines, a more powerful TA-14 auxiliary power plant and upgraded avionics. The Mi-8AMTSh-VA prototype designed by Mil helicopter and built by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP) carried out flight tests during 2014 and was expected to enter service in early 2015.