Russian Helicopters displayed the redesigned Mi-8 that is designated Mi-171A2 at the HeliRussia 2017 show in Moscow last week, alongside the new and larger Mi-38. The company reported that it has not been immune to the worldwide decline in rotorcraft sales. Production of the popular Mi-8/17 family (more than 12,000 copies built so far, and exported to 110 countries) has decreased from 150 to less than 100 at two sites (Kazan and Ulan-Ude). However, although both the Mi-8/17 and the Mi-38 models are now being marketed as civilian, the Russian defense ministry is procuring their armed versions.
Production of the Mi-8MTV at Kazan is being replaced by the Mi-38, although export versions of the former designated Mi-17V5 are still being delivered from there, for instance to Belarus. At Ulan-Ude, production of the Mi-171A2 is planned to replac the Mi-8AMT version, which has been produced there since 1990, with those going for export designated Mi-171.

Russian Helicopters CEO Andrei Boginsky described the Mi-171A2 as “a grandson of the original Mi-8.” Five prototypes are in the flight-test program that commenced in November 2014. But Boginsky admitted that certification has been postponed to August 2017.

The Mi-171A2 features the KBO-17 digital avionics set from Ulianovsk instrument-making design house (UIMDB) that includes a glass cockpit enabling a crew of two (instead of three previously) to fly in all weather conditions, day or night. The rotor system features an X-like anti-torque propeller and reshaped main rotor blades made of composite materials instead of metal, as well as a new main rotor hub and swash plate. This technology is derived from the Mi-38 development, and provides better handling qualities, vibration and weight reduction, while increasing the maximum lift by 700 kg (1,500 pounds). The helicopter’s performance in hot-and-high conditions, as well as in high humidity, has substantially improved.

Elements developed for the Mi-171A2 prototypes are already evident on Mi-8AMTSh-V versions that the Russian MoD is taking from Ulan-Ude. Recent deliveries include the Mi-8AMTSh-VA, a special version developed for operations in the Artic, with the ambient temperature in the specification as low as -60 degrees Celsius, including engine starts in that environment.