A Mi-38 helicopter has been tested successfully in extremely high temperatures in mountain conditions. The flights took place in the city of Astrakhan and on Mount Elbrus, the Russian Helicopters holding company (an affiliate of Rostec), has said.

Mil Mi-38-2 (38013) at Moscow Zhukovsky (Picture source: Alex Snow)

"The helicopter made more than 50 flights in Astrakhan having confirmed its ability to fly in outside air temperature of +45 degrees Celsius. Trials in conditions of a high mountain region took place on Mount Elbrus," the Russian Helicopters said.

The trials proved the Mi-38 ability to fly at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters above the sea level. The helicopter made 50 flights during which it demonstrated the flying and navigational capabilities in the absence of visible aids and the horizon. The results were handed over to the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) and were included in the Mi-38 helicopter certificate.

Andrei Boginsky, director-general of the Russian Helicopters holding company, has said that the renovated main rotor blades of the Mi-38 helicopter will undergo certification tests soon.

"We are trying to disclose and document its capabilities to the utmost. For example, the tests of a new surveillance system and certification of strengthened rotor blades are scheduled for the near future," Boginsky clarified adding that the rotor blades could also be used on Mi-171A2 helicopters.

© Copyright 2019 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.