Kazan Helicopters, a division of Russian Helicopters, has received approval from Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) to equip the Ansat helicopter with the Mku30 satellite communication system. This option will provide helicopter passengers with high-speed internet access during the flight.

This Ku band satellite communication system, created by MOST Satellite Systems, provides up to 2 Mbps internet access at the coverage area of the ​​Yamal satellites. The Mku30 allows uninterrupted transmission of large amounts of data during flights, the organisation of onboard video conferences and the streaming of high quality video in real time. Data transfer to passengers' mobile devices is provided using a Wi-Fi access point.

“The Ansat is a versatile helicopter with a design that allows it to be adapted for a wide variety of operations: from an ambulance to a VIP configuration with advanced digital services. When equipped with high-speed internet access the Ansat allows its passengers to stay in touch even during the flight. The service will be useful for both discerning passengers, as well as doctors, police and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, who will be able to stay online to receive operational information,” reports the aviation cluster of Rostec State Corporation.

The first Ansat helicopter equipped with the new Mku30 satellite communication system was presented at the Paris Air Show in 2019.

“The satellite communication system will be installed in the Ansat helicopter at the request of the customer. It will be most relevant for passenger and VIP modifications of the helicopter. The ability to use the internet during flights is another step towards improving the comfort level of Ansat helicopters,” says MD of Kazan Helicopters Alexey Belykh.

Russian Helicopters and MOST Satellite Systems signed an agreement to cooperate in the field of joint promotion of helicopter technology equipped with satellite communication systems produced by the latter during the International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia in 2018. The agreement also provides for the development and implementation of after-sales service projects.

An upgraded Ansat-M helicopter with an increased flight range of up to 800 km with an additional fuel tank took to the skies on 29 December 2020. The updated version comes with static stability, state-of-the-art avionics and modernised heating and ventilation systems. In 2021, the model will also receive a three-channel autopilot.