Russian Helicopters Achieve Import Substitution Success in Mi-8AMTSh-V Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) has completed modernisation work on Mi-8AMTSh-V helicopters, for delivery to the Russian Air Force under the State Defence Order, which are produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant incorporating the focus on import substitution. The latest Mi-8AMTSh-V has been praised by military pilots of the Mi-8AMTSh (export name Mi-171Sh).
"We understand the importance of being as independent as possible from foreign-made components and units in the machines we deliver under the State Defence Order, and are focusing on this area of activity," said Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev. "Further, the results of this work on the Mi-8AMTSh-V testify to the fact that using Russian-made equipment allows us to significantly improve the helicopter's flight capabilities."
In order to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, all Mi-8AMTSh-V helicopters are fitted with the latest Russian-made equipment. The helicopter boasts more powerful VK-2500-03 engines produced by Klimov (part of United Engine Corporation). The VK-2500-03 engines boast improved capacity, enabling them to noticeably improve reliability and safety during combat use, and improving their overall flight capabilities. In addition, the Russian engines' increased power positively impacts the helicopter's operational costs.
Another aspect of this modernisation work involves replacing the Ukrainian-made AI-9V auxiliary power units (APUs) with the Russian-made TA-14 produced at SPE Aerosila. The TA-14 boasts higher power, greater working time in generator-mode, and also better start and operation altitude indicators (6,000 m compared with 4,000 m for the AI-9V). The helicopter's operational capabilities in mountainous terrain, from independent bases, are substantially improved.
The helicopter is also fitted with a Russian-made on-board satellite navigation suite that is compatible with Russia's GLONASS and GPS. The latest communications systems - also Russian-made - ensure the helicopter crew enjoy quality connections over a wide range of frequencies.
For the crew's in-flight comfort and safety, the helicopter boasts the latest Russian weather radar systems offering a 3D image of weather formations and objects. Information from the weather radar and navigation equipment is displayed on a large digital multifunction display, for improved flight safety and added convenience.
For improved combat resilience, the helicopter is equipped with the latest Russian-made ceramo-metallic armour, boasting greater resilience and weighing less than steel armour.
The latest Russian-made navigation suites and radio communications systems, defence and weapons systems, and a wide range of additional equipment features ensure that the new Mi-8MTSh-V military transport helicopter meets all the necessary requirements.
Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, is a Russian Helicopters company. In the 70 years of its existence, it has produced over 8,000 units. Today the plant specialises in producing the Mi-8AMT (Mi-171 - export variant) multirole helicopter and the Mi-8AMTSh (Mi-171Sh - export variant), and is also involved in developing and preparing for series production on the latest Mi-171A2 medium helicopter.
Russian Helicopters, JSC is a part of State Corporation Rostec. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. Over 8000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in 110 countries worldwide. Traditionally the demand is highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2013 its IFRS revenues increased 10% to RUB 138.3 billion. Deliveries reached 275 helicopters.
State Corporation Rostec is a Russian corporation founded in 2007 for the purpose of promoting the development, production and export of hi-tech civilian and military industry products. It comprises about 700 organizations, nine of which have now been formed as holding companies of the military-industrial complex and five of them are involved in civil industries. Rostec's organizations are located in 60 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and supply their products to the markets of more than 70 countries. The revenue of Rostec in 2013 amounted to RUB 1, 04 trillion, with net profit of RUB 40 billion. The tax deductions into the treasuries at all levels exceeded RUB 138 billion.
