Russian Helicopters announced a variety of program developments this week at the Army-2018 International Military and Technical Forum at the Kubinka Aerodrome in Moscow. The company, which is part of Rostec State Corp.. said it has completed high-altitude tests of the Kazan Ansat light twin-engine utility helicopter in mountainous terrain up to 3,500 meters (11,483 feet).
This testing included simulated engine failures at 2,000 to 2,500 meters (6,561 to 8,202 feet). The data has been forwarded to the Russian federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsia, for inclusion in the helicopter’s type certificate.
“Rugged mountain terrain is the condition, where helicopter operations are of highest demand, that is why it is very important for our customers that the helicopter is ready for such missions,” said Andrey Boginskiy, Russian Helicopters’ director general.
The mtow of the nine-seat Ansat has been increased to 3.6 metric tons (7,937 pounds). The helicopter has a payload of 1.3 metric tons (2,866 pounds), a cruise speed of 140 knots, a maximum speed of 148 knots, and a full-tanks range of 280 nm. It is certified for operations in temperatures ranging from -49 degrees F to 122 degrees F. Rosaviatsia has also approved service-life extensions of several Ansat components.
This week Russian Helicopters also unveiled a police version of the Ansat equipped for patrol and search-and-rescue operations. The helicopter is equipped with the SON-730 electro-optical system that can recognize license plates and people and transmit data in real time; the SX-5 adjustable searchlight; and the TS–200WR external loudspeaker.
In addition to the Ansat, Russian Helicopters is also displaying a larger Mi-17V-5 at the technical forum. The latter is kitted for law enforcement fitted with modern communication equipment and night-vision goggles. The Mi-17V-5 is the modern civil variant of the Mi-8/17 and features night-vision-compatible glass-panel avionics.
Separately, last weekend Russian Helicopters announced the first flight of the upgraded Mi-26T2V heavy-lift helicopter at the Rostvertol flight test center at Rostov-on-Don. The Mi26T2V is designed to lift loads up to 20 metric tons (44,092 pounds). The helicopter is equipped with upgraded avionics, armor, and defensive systems. It will be fielded between now and 2027.