An approval certificate for a major modification of the type design was issued upon completion of tests in Yakutia at temperatures as low as -50°C

Photo: Russian Helicopters

Federal Air Transport Agency of the Russian Federation has issued a flight approval to Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Center for the import-substituted Mi-171А3 to fly at temperatures as low as -50°C. An approval certificate for a major modification of the type design has been issued for the helicopter after the tests that were conducted in spring this year in Yakutia in extremely cold weather conditions. 

The Mi-171А3 is the first fully domestically built offshore helicopter designed, in particular, for flying over a vast water surface taking into account the stringent requirements of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers and fuel and energy companies. 

“Rostec’s companies manufacture aircraft that can fly in the most severe weather conditions. The Mi-171А3 will be a liaison between cities and remote villages, drilling platforms and the mainland, therefore a special focus is put on its testing. In Yakutia, 66 flights and 22 engine ground runnings were performed at temperatures as low as -50°C,” said Nikolay Kolesov, General Director of Russian Helicopters. 

In March 2026, the Federal Air Transport Agency of the Russian Federation issued approval certificates for a major modification of the Mi-171А3 design concerning, in particular, equipment for safe flights over a vast water surface. In case of emergency, the helicopter can perform ditching even at degree 5 swell of sea. 

Moreover, the Mi-171А3 has a crash-resistant body and fuel system that avoids fuel spill and fire in case of emergency landing. The Mi-171А3 can be quickly transformed into a search and rescue helicopter, if required, by installing medical modules, searchlight and other equipment.