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The Perfect Fit [ ADVERTORIAL ]

testing, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant will manufacture
THE NEW MI-171A3 HELICOPTER IS TAILOR-MADE FOR OIL 3 fuselages, one of which will further be equipped
AND GAS COMPANIES. ITS PROTOTYPE IS SET TO BE ONE with avionics at National Helicopter Center Mil
and Kamov for flight tests. The Mi-171A3 helicop-
OF THE MAIN ROTORCRAFT SENSATIONS OF MAKS-2021 ter meets all modern requirements for safety and
INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW configuration. It is equipped with an automatic-ac-
tivated emergency flotation system and external
Oil and gas companies are traditionally one of the main operators of life rafts, and the crashworthy fuselage can with-
helicopter technology both in Russia and around the globe. They use stand overloads of up to 20g. The helicopter has
helicopters to deliver personnel, cargo and equipment to the pro- a crashworthy fuel system, push-out windows and
duction site. Particular strict requirements are imposed on offshore energy-absorbing seats. To ensure the opera-
helicopters that serve offshore drilling platforms. The list of these tion of the helicopter even in the most adverse
requirements is formed by the International Association of Oil and weather conditions, the helicopter is equipped
Gas Producers (IOGP), and includes the structural capabilities of a with an integrated flight and navigation complex
helicopter, set of rescue equipment, ergonomics of the cockpit and "glass cabin" with a digital autopilot.
many other criteria. Until recently, there was no helicopter in Russia
that would fully comply with the requirements of IOGP. The wide use of composite structures provides
a positive impact on the flight and commercial
In May 2021, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, part of the Russian Helicopters performances of the helicopter. The flight range
Holding Company completed the assembly of the fuselage of the new of the Mi-171A3 is up to the level of foreign off-
Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter. It is designed in accordance with IOGP shore helicopters when transporting 16 and 19
standards and fully meets the strict requirements for safe flights over passengers, but the Russian helicopter provides
water surface. One of the main operational tasks of the new Mi-171A3 the operator with a unique opportunity to recon-
helicopter is the support of offshore drilling platforms. The helicopter figure the cabin for transporting 24 passengers.
can transport personnel, cargo, and, when required, carry out search At the same time, the Mi-171A3 outperforms its
and rescue operations for the purpose of which additional installation nearest competitors in terms of flight hour price,
of a specialized search complex, onboard winches and medical equip- offering more than 20% lower rate.
ment is provided. Operator can convert the helicopter into a search
and rescue version at its own operational facilities. The initial customers of the helicopter will be
Russian oil and gas companies – the configu-
All design documentation for the helicopter was developed in the form ration of the helicopter, in particular, has been
of digital 3D models which allowed implementing the unprecedented agreed with Gazprom. However, this model will be
wide production cooperation across the Russian Helicopters holding in demand at any offshore facilities, wherever they
company, taking into account the created competence centers. Kazan are located. Serial production of the helicopter is
Helicopter Plant and Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company manu- scheduled to commence in 2022, but this year,
facture the cargo floor, sets of side panels and the cockpit, whereas the prototype Mi-171A3 promises to become one
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant manufactures the ceiling panel, the rear part of of the main rotorcraft sensations of MAKS-2021
the fuselage, the engine nacelle and the tail boom. For the purpose of International Air Show.

ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY June/July 2021 | 11