The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has validated the type certificate of the Mi-171A2 helicopter, serially produced at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters Holding Company.

The first foreign operator of Mi-171A2 was the Republic of Kazakhstan. In addition, its certificate has been validated by the aviation authorities of India and Colombia. Its validation is also planned in China, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and several other countries. The type's VK-2500 engines enable it to operate in high-mountain and high-temperature regions. Due to its more efficient X-shaped tail rotor, new main rotor with all-composite blades and improved aerodynamic profile, the cruise and maximum speeds of the Mi-171A2 helicopter are 10 per cent higher and its load capacity is 25 per cent greater than those of serial Mi-8/17 helicopters.

“South Korea is the largest foreign operator of the Ka-32 helicopter and also has a successful track record of using Mi-8/17 in police operations. Validation of the Mi-171A2 certificate proves that the country has high levels of demand for and trust in Russian helicopter designs. I am confident that our Korean partners will appreciate the outstanding flight performance and modern onboard equipment of the Mi-171A2; negotiations about its delivery are already under way,” says director general of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky.

The Mi-171A2 comes with a modern digital glass cockpit avionics suite that allows to reduce its crew to two persons. Video cameras provide a better view during external load operations. Its flight safety is improved by modern terrain awareness and warning systems and airborne and obstacle collision avoidance systems. Depending on the operator's needs, the Mi-171A2 helicopter can perform SAR missions, medical and cargo operations, fight fires or carry passengers in daylight and during the night, and at a wide range of temperatures.