Aleksandr Kurenkov, Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergency Management and Natural Disasters Response (EMERCOM), visited Russian Helicopters’ aircraft factory in Ulan-Ude. He got acquainted with the main fabrication shops and estimated the progress of the acceptance test of Mi-8ATMSh-VA helicopters which are to be delivered to EMERCOM of Russia already before the end of the year.
The agreement between EMERCOM of Russia and Ulan-Ude aircraft factory was signed during the 6th Eastern Economic Forum in 2021. The agreement includes the supply of four arcticized helicopters to the rescue agency – two of each in 2022 and 2023.
“Arcticized helicopters are indispensable for rescue operations in the north polar region. New Mi-8ATMSh-VAs are designed for EMERCOM’s arctic teams. These teams are formed to perform rescue operations in the Arctic Region of Russia and ensure security of the Northern Sea Route. The aircraft will be used for medical evacuation and rescue team delivery to the outermost and hard-to-reach regions and for wildfire suppression,” said Aleksandr Kurenkov, Minister of EMERCOM.
The Mi-8ATMSh-VA features improved heat insulation of the body. The oil system and transmission components heating system enables quick start of the helicopter engine at temperatures as low as -60 °C.
