Following its first official showing at the MAKS show in Moscow, the Russian Helicopters (Stand 570) Mi-38 is making its first overseas trade show appearance at the Dubai Airshow, where it is being presented in the static area and in the flying display.
Originally developed as a utility transport helicopter that could replace the legendary Mi-8/17 series, the Mi-38 is being marketed in three variants: military, civilian, and the “Salon” VIP version. The aircraft on show in Dubai is in the latter configuration, with a luxury cabin installed.
Designed by the Mil design bureau and manufactured by Kazan Helicopter, the Mi-38 was first conceived in the late 1980s and made its first flight in December 2003, but further progress was delayed, particularly due to redesigns associated with replacing equipment of Western origin with Russian components. The civil version received Russian type certification in December 2015, while the VIP variant was approved in September this year. The Mi-38T military version first flew in November 2018.
Compared with the Mi-8/17 the Mi-38 has numerous new features, not least of which is the mounting of the engines behind the main rotor rather than in front of it. This significantly reduces internal noise levels and has a beneficial effect on drag. The Mi-38 was originally intended to be offered with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboshafts, which were installed in the first two prototypes, but is now powered by two 2,500-shp Klimov TV7-117V engines.
With additional fuel tanks the Mi-38 can fly for up to 620 miles (1,000 km). It has a 15.6-tonne maximum takeoff weight and can carry a five-tonne payload, including underslung loads. Avionics are a modern Transas “glass” suite.