As part of the demonstration tour in Southeast Asia, on November 16, Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) presented the Mi-171A2 and Ansat helicopters in Hanoi (Vietnam). Demonstration flights of these machines took place at Gia Lam Airport.
The event was attended by key Vietnamese helicopter operators. As part of the presentation, the main competitive advantages of the Mi-171A2 and Ansat helicopters, the system of their after-sales service, as well as financial instruments for the purchase of Russian machines were presented to them.
“Currently, Vietnam has over 80 helicopters made in Russia. However, most of them are military. One of the main goals of our event in Hanoi is to present the latest civilian models that will be sought after in Vietnam in the coming years. The civilian helicopters market in Southeast Asia has demonstrated steady growth in recent years, and this is a great opportunity for us to expand our presence there,” said Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky.
Ansat is a light multipurpose twin-engine helicopter, serial production of which is deployed at the Kazan Helicopter plant. According to the helicopter certificate, its design allows converting it into a cargo version or into a passenger rotorcraft that can lift up to seven people. Ansat is certified for use in the temperatures ranging between -45°С and +50°С.
Mi-171A2 is the latest modification of the Mi-8/17 military transport helicopter. The helicopter has VK-2500PS-03 engines with a digital control system, and a more efficient X-shaped tail rotor and a new main rotor with all-composite blades with the improved airfoil shape. Cruise and maximum speed of Mi-171A2 have increased by 10% compared to series-produced Mi-8/17 helicopters, while load-bearing capacity has increased by 25%. The modern digital avionics set KBO-17 (“glass cabin”) in the Mi-171A2 helicopter allowed the company to reduce the crew to two people. The helicopter carries passengers and is offered in the transport, passenger and VIP versions.