The Civil Aviation Department of India has confirmed that the standard design of Russian Helicopter's Mi-171A2 complies with Indian civilian aviation requirements (CAR). The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation had previously approved a type certificate for the VK-2500PS-03 helicopter turboshaft engine installed in Mi-171A2 helicopters for JSC 'UEC-Klimov'.

The validated Mi-171A2 type certificate has also been issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics of Colombia (UAEAC). The decision of the Colombian authorities gives Russian Helicopters an opportunity to supply machines of this type to Colombia.

“The Mi-171A2 is the latest modification of the Mi-8/17, the most common twin engine helicopter in the world. Companies from Rostec's Aviation Cluster made a great effort to receive an opportunity to operate the machines in India and Colombia: the type certificates were confirmed for the helicopter itself and for UEC's VK-2500PS-03 engines that the helicopters are equipped with. The Mi-171A2 has the A type certificate of the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia. It means that the highest flight safety requirements for civilian helicopters are met,” explains Russian Helicopters director general Andrey Boginsky.

The first Mi-171A2 for an Indian customer has already been produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. It was demonstrated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recent Eastern Economic Forum. Validation of the Mi-171A2 type certificate in China, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and other countries is also planned.

With the most advanced modification of the improved engine, the helicopter has new capabilities for operation in high-mountain and high-temperature areas. Due to its more efficient X-shaped tail rotor, the new main rotor with all-composite blades and improved aerodynamic profile, the cruising and maximum speeds of the Mi-171A2 helicopter are 10 per cent higher and the load capacity is 25 per cent greater than those of serial Mi-8/17 helicopters.

The onboard digital equipment set KBO-17-1 (glass cabin), including the navigation instrumentation and the system of general helicopter equipment with display data indication, has allowed the company to reduce the crew to only two people. Video cameras provide a better view during external load operations and modern terrain awareness and warning systems, airborne and obstacle collision avoidance systems have improved safety.

The helicopter can carry passengers and is available in the transport, passenger and VIP versions.