Rostec State Corporation's JSC Russian Helicopters has increased the flight range of the Ansat and Ansat-M helicopters by 140 kilometers due to the installation of an additional tank. With the new device, the standard version of the machine will be able to fly up to 645 kilometers, while the flight range of the upgraded version will be up to 780 kilometers.
The certification received from Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) allows Kazan Helicopter Plant to install a 195-liter extra tank not only on the new machines, but also on the machines in operation following minor modifications. Both passenger and medevac versions of Ansat can be equipped with an extra tank.
"Currently a large-scale modernization of the serial Ansat, which is one of the main medevac helicopters, is underway. At the same time, an updated version, the Ansat-M helicopter, is being developed. The work to increase the flight range is of great importance, as it will allow the rapid medical evacuation from remote areas and expand the capabilities for passenger or cargo transportation. Thanks to the new extra tank the range of regular Ansat will be increased to 645 kilometers and the upgraded Ansat will reach 780 kilometers," said Nikolay Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters.
Certification tests of the main fuel system of Ansat-M have been conducted to date, confirming the declared flight range of 640 kilometers.
"Ansat" is a light twin-engine multipurpose helicopter, serial production of which was deployed at the Kazan Helicopter Plant. According to the certificate, the design of the helicopter allows it to be quickly transformed into a cargo or a passenger version with the ability to transport up to seven people. In May 2015, an addition to the type certificate was received for a helicopter modification with a medical module.
