Federal Air Transport Agency issued seven approvals of major modification of the aircraft design

Photo: Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters has completed the certification of the Mi-171A3 helicopter in import-substituted design. Federal Air Transport Agency has issued seven approvals of major modification of the aircraft design. Approval of a convertible offshore helicopter configuration designed for flying over wide water bodies was a key stage of Mi-171A3 certification. 

The Mi-171A3 is certified for carriage of passengers and goods, instrument flights in adverse weather conditions, landing and takeoff from elevated pads. 

“Exceptionally stringent requirements are imposed on offshore helicopters: they are designed for long-range flights over the high seas. Such helicopters are important for operation of offshore platforms, which are often inaccessible by sea. Being made entirely of local components, the Mi-171A3 proves that Russian aircraft industry is capable of producing reliable aircraft for operations where the cost of error is particularly high. The helicopter is fitted with all necessary equipment for long-range overwater flights: Russia’s first crash-resistant fuel system, special floats and liferafts. The helicopter has successfully passed flight tests and inspections, proving compliance to all current requirements of Russian and foreign aviation regulations for such class of aircraft,” said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec. 

The Mi-171А3 is provided with equipment designed for ditching in case of system failure and emergency even at degree 5 swell of sea. The system consists of four floats, ballonets, nose/tail-mounted in pairs alongside the helicopter body, which open automatically in case of emergency ditching.

Russia's first crash-resistant fuel system has also passed the certification test as part of the helicopter. It has been proved that the system components: cell-type fuel cells, pumps and fuel gages, are designed to withstand impact loads. Crash resistance was validated via dropping the fuel system from a height of more than 15 meters. Reliability of the fuel system structure prevents fuel spill and fire in case of emergency landing.