East Siberian operator Polar Airlines is to be the launch customer for the new Ansat-M variant from Russian Helicopters. Created using new technical solutions and with improved characteristics, the modified type recently took off for the first time.

“The modernisation of Ansat was carried out within the framework of the contract of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2019-2020. 230 million rubles were allocated from the federal budget for development. The new modification has a number of advantages, and it is planned for deliveries to regional airlines. I am sure that the new machine will contribute to improving transport accessibility to remote areas of our country,” notes the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov.

The helicopter is equipped with an upgraded fuel system, which makes it possible to increase the flight range. Due to the modernisation of the tail, the track stability has also been improved. In addition, the Ansat-M has received the latest avionics, which allow it to fly in zero visibility conditions.

“The Ansat is a versatile vehicle capable of performing a wide range of tasks and with great potential for modernisation,” says Anatoly Serdyukov, industrial director of the Rostec aviation cluster. “With the improved fuel system, it became possible to install an additional tank; as a result, the flight range has been increased from 505 to 800 km. The proportion of composite materials in the structure has also been increased by 15 per cent and now stands at 35 per cent, which made it possible to reduce the weight of the helicopter and improve its flight characteristics. Certification tests of Ansat-M and the first deliveries are scheduled for 2021.”

New blades with improved aerodynamics for the Ansat's tail and main rotor are being developed. Their use will increase its ability to manoeuvre and improve passenger comfort by reducing the noise level in the cabin. The use of new blades will also increase the maximum take-off and landing altitude, cruising speed, dynamic ceiling and take-off weight. In 2021, the helicopter is also scheduled to be equipped with a new anti-icing system and a three-channel autopilot for automatic flight.

In accordance with Polar Airlines' recommendations, a new technical profile for the helicopter has been developed, which enables hangar-free storage, increased flight range, the presence of an anti-icing system and the ability to perform instrument flights. Seven Ansat helicopters will go to Russia's far north, and deliveries will begin in 2021. According to the terms of the contract, all vehicles will carry modern medical modules.

The Ansat is manufactured at Russian Helicopters' Kazan Helicopter Plant. The design of the helicopter allows it to be quickly transformed into both cargo and passenger versions with the ability to carry up to seven people. Today, modifications of the Ansat with a medical module and a rescue winch for search and rescue operations have been certified. The Ansat can be operated in the temperature range from -45 to +50 degrees Celsius and in high mountain conditions. To date, more than 90 Ansat helicopters have been handed over to Russian customers, of which about 40 are participating in the programme for the development of an air ambulance service in the Russian Federation.