The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a national type certificate for the Mi-171 equipped with VK-2500-03 engines, clearing the path for Russian Helicopters to sell the helicopter in China. The VK-2500-03 engine is more powerful than the previously stock TV3-117VM powerplant in part due to improved design, including the incorporation of heat-resistant materials, BARK-78 digital automatic controls, and an emergency power mode for one engine inoperative (OEI) operations. This combination gives the Mi-171 a higher load capacity and service ceiling.
During demonstration flights in China last year, the Mi-171 equipped with the new engine conducted firefighting and cargo missions to altitudes up to 10,826 feet when loaded with three tons of cargo and nine passengers and also carried 3.5 metric tons of water in an external bucket to an altitude of 9,842 feet.
Currently, 20 civil Mi-8/17 helicopters operate in China. Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky said the operators of these helicopters are interested in the new Mi-171 variant for its more modern technologies and reduced operating costs. Viktor Kladov, director of international cooperation and regional policy for Russian Helicopter’s parent corporation Rostec, added that helicopter technology is a key area of industrial cooperation between Russia and China. He also noted the two countries’ cooperative development of the new Advanced Heavy Lift (AHL) helicopter.