MOSCOW, August 8 (RIA Novosti) - Deliveries of the Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopters, a variant of the Mi-8 medium twin-turbine transport helicopter modified for use in the Arctic, may begin as early as next year, Leonid Belykh, managing director of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP), said Friday.
“Basically, everything is ready. A prototype model is in the works, and it is all up to the Defense Ministry now. If we sign a deal this year, then we will start [the deliveries] next year,” Belykh told RIA Novosti.
The aviation plant reported that the helicopter meets all the requirements in order to excel in the harsh weather conditions of the Far North. Its design will allow it to operate in low temperatures and low visibility, including during the polar night. The helicopter is also able to fly even in the case of navigation problems, for example, when it is without a satellite signal.
The Mi-8AMTSh-VA model is developed based on the upgraded Mi-8AMTSh-V helicopter that features new Klimov VK-2500-03 turboshaft engines, a more powerful TA-14 auxiliary power plant and upgraded avionics.
