Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (U-UAZ) of the Russian Helicopters holding and the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters, within the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum, signed an agreement for the supply of four Mi-8AMTSh-VA Arctic helicopters.
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The Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter was created specifically for operation in the northern regions, taking into account the growing need to ensure state interests in the regions of the Arctic and the Far North. Among the main design features is the presence of a unique heating system for the oil system and transmission units, due to which, at temperatures down to -60 ° C, the helicopter engines can be launched promptly (Picture source: Rostec)
The document was signed by the managing director of U-UAZ, Alexey Kozlov, and the deputy head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, Viktor Yatsutsenko. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, a firm contract for the supply of four Mi-8AMTSh-VA in the interests of the department will be concluded in September 2021. Two helicopters will be delivered to the customer in 2022, and two more in 2023.
“Helicopters of this modification have flown in the Arctic for several thousand hours and have proven themselves excellently in the harsh northern conditions. The unique heating system of the transmission units allows the helicopter to quickly start the engines even in the most severe frost, which is extremely important for organizing emergency flights of rescuers, ”stressed Alexey Kozlov, Managing Director of U-UAZ.
“This agreement is important for the development of the security system in the Arctic zone. Such helicopters are indispensable for extinguishing wildfires, they can carry out sanitary evacuation and delivery of rescuers to hard-to-reach areas. They are designed to operate in northern latitudes, which are characterized by low temperatures and high wind loads. The new helicopters will enter service with the emerging Arctic units of the Russian Emergencies Ministry to protect the population and territories of the Arctic region of the Russian Federation and ensure the safety of the Northern Sea Route, ”said Viktor Yatsutsenko, Deputy Head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry.
The Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter was created specifically for operation in the northern regions, taking into account the growing need to ensure state interests in the regions of the Arctic and the Far North. Among the main design features is the presence of a unique heating system for the oil system and transmission units, due to which, at temperatures down to -60 ° C, the helicopter engines can be launched promptly. The Mi-8AMTSh-VA is also equipped with improved fuselage insulation, heat-insulating curtains, equipment for heating hot rations for the crew and transported personnel.
Long distance flights between home points are provided by the installation of external additional fuel tanks. When using them, the helicopter can fly for more than 7 hours at a distance of up to 1400 km. The safety of the crew and passengers is enhanced by the use of special marine rescue suits.
Serial production of the Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant began in 2015. At present, taking into account the developments and operating experience of the Mi-8AMTSh-VA helicopter, the first civilian Mi-8AMT helicopter has been created with a similar set of optional equipment for use in the Arctic.
