Russian Helicopters Holding Com-pany and United Engine Corporation, both part of Rostec State Corporation, have agreed a deal with the General Directorate for Civil Aviation (DGCAP) of Peru to validate the Mi-171A2 helicopter and VK-2500PS-03 engine. Peruvian aviation authorities plan to complete the helicopter certification this year.

As part of the validation, DGCAP representatives also plan to visit Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and JSC UEC-Klimov, developers of the helicopter and the engine.

“Currently, Peru is the largest operator of Russian helicopters in Latin America,” says Russian Helicopters director general Andrey Boginsky. “Over 100 civil and military machines are registered in this country. Operators are interested in fleet renewal, and when the Mi-171A2 certificate is validated by Peruvian aviation authorities, we will be able to start supplying this modern machine. A similar procedure is being conducted to certify it in Brazil, which shows the potential of the market in Latin America for our machines.”

The Mi-171A2 is the most advanced model of the Mi-8/17 helicopter type. Its VK-2500PS-03 engines have a digital control system, a more efficient X-shaped tail rotor and a new main rotor with composite blades with an improved airfoil shape.

The cruise and maximum speed of the Mi-171A2 have increased by 10 per cent compared to series-produced

Mi-8/17 helicopters, while load-bearing capacity has increased by 25 per cent. The helicopter may be effectively used around the clock, in highland conditions, at low and high temperatures, high humidity and over water.

The digital avionics set KBO-17 (glass cockpit), including the navigation instrumentation and the system of general helicopter equip-ment with display data indication, have allowed the OEM to reduce the crew required to two people. Video cameras provide a better view during external load operations. Modern terrain awareness and warning systems, airborne and obstacle collision avoidance systems have improved safety. The helicopter can carry passengers and is offered in the transport, passenger and VIP versions.

“Latin America is a promising region for Rostec, and we are ready to offer our partners competitively priced high quality solutions with further technology transfer,” explains Rostec’s director for international cooperation and regional policy Victor Kladov. “We offer our partners not an individual product, but a set of related services. I’m convinced that the Mi-171A2 validation will enhance and expand our cooperation in aviation and will make the helicopter attractive to potential customers in Peru and Latin America.”

In August 2017, the helicopter was certified by the Federal Air Transport Agency of the Russian Federation according to Category A, meeting the most stringent requirements for flight safety specified for civilian helicopters.