The multipurpose Mi-171A3 helicopter, developed by Russian Helicopters, has begun flight tests. The first hover flight lasted 15 minutes and passed normally, all systems demonstrated stable operation. The machine is designed for offshore operations and maintenance of offshore drilling platforms.

During the flight, the crew consisting of senior test pilot Hero of Russia Alexander Klimov and test pilot holder of the Order of Courage Vladimir Kutanin performed a series of short vertical manoeuvres, as well as turns and movement of the helicopter in all directions at various speeds.

"The modern and competitive Mi-171A3 helicopter was developed in record time: the state contract for the development of a helicopter modification designed for flights to offshore drilling platforms was signed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade with the holding in 2020. The total amount of state support for the project is 1 billion rubles," says Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

Development of the Mi-171A3 began in 2018. The newest helicopter fully complies with IOGP (International Association of Oil and Gas Producers) standards and meets the increased requirements for ensuring the safety of flights over the water surface.

The Mi-171A3 was fully designed digitally, which made it possible to form broad industrial cooperation on the scale of the Russian Helicopters holding, taking into account the established centres of excellence. Various parts of the fuselage are manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, the Far Eastern enterprise AAK "Progress" and at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, where the final assembly of the helicopter is also taking place.

"The first flight is an important stage in the testing of the new aircraft. According to the pilots, the helicopter is good, easy to fly, the equipment is working properly. We hope that the car will be in great demand both among domestic companies in the fuel and energy complex and abroad. The market size for the new offshore helicopter is estimated at about 100 machines by 2035, but there are prerequisites for improving this forecast - after the premiere at MAKS-2021, interest in the Mi-171A3 from potential customers has grown significantly," says the head of Rostec State Corporation Sergei Chemezov.

The Mi-171A3 has unique transport capabilities in its class: the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 13,000 kg, the number of passengers carried is up to 24 people, and the maximum flight range is 1,000 km. The helicopter is designed for all-weather operation in a wide range of climatic conditions, including sea, tropical and cold climates, in the ambient temperature range from -50 C to +50 C. The Mi-171A3 onboard equipment will provide automatic and manual control of the helicopter at all stages of flight, from takeoff to landing, with the possibility of automatic piloting both on air routes and in unregulated airspace, regardless of the degree of ground radio navigation support.