Story ID: 629
Peruvian Certification Beckons for Mi-171
By: David Donald
Caption: Latin America is an important market for Russian Helicopters; certification of the latest Mi-171 version is being pursued in Peru and Brazil.
Word Count: 181
Russian Helicopters (Chalet 363) is in discussions with the Peruvian civil aviation general directorate concerning the certification of the Mi-171A2 passenger/VIP/cargo transport helicopter and its UEC-Klimov VK-2500PS-03 engine in Peru, scheduled to be achieved later this year. Highlighting the significant market for Mil helicopters in Latin America, a similar process is ongoing in Brazil.

“Peru is the largest operator of Russian helicopters in Latin America. More than 100 civil and military machines are registered in this country,” said Andrey Boginsky, director general of Russian Helicopters. “Operators are interested in fleet renewal, and when the Mi-171A2 certificate is validated by the Peruvian aviation authorities, we will be able to start supplying this modern machine.”

The Mi-171A2 is the latest model of the Mi-8/17 helicopter family and includes digitally controlled engines and a more efficient X-shaped tail rotor. The type has a new main rotor with composite blades incorporating an improved airfoil shape. It is fitted with the KBO-17 glass cockpit and has video cameras to assist the crew during underslung load operations.