Mi-38 production, Mi-8MTV5, ANSAT-U, etc news

Series Production of Mi-38 Helicopter May Begin in 2009

((EXTRACT. Much money stuff snipped.))

Certification of the twin-piloted “Ansat” ended in 200 for use of an emergency water landing system. Tests of obtaining additional certifications for increasing takeoff weight to three tonnes and installation on the helicopter of a fire fighting system have ended. The enterprise ((OAO Kazan’ Helicopter Plant)) already has received 420 million rubles from sales of the helicopter. Last year flight tests of a training helicopter, the “Ansat-U,” began, which was designed and assembled on order of the Russian Federation defense ministry for training cadets. Tests of the Mi-8MTV5 helicopter have been made, and approval has been obtained for installation of new VK-2500 engines on the helicopter, which will allow basing the helicopter at an altitude of 5,500 meters and making flights at an altitude of more than 6,000 meters. The new Mi-38 helicopter is participating in the federal targeted program for Russian aviation, and 300 million rubles was allocated in 2006 form the federal budget. Its takeoff performance exceeded those declared in the technical task as a result of the tests. Work has begun on creation of a second experimental example. Series production of the helicopter is intended for 2009. A factory development – the ultra light-weight three-place “Aktay” helicopters has a chance to get into the federal program for upgrade of Russia’s transportation system. The first prototype of the aircraft has been assembled for the time being, and series production may begin not earlier than 2009.

Source: 28.06.06, Intertat, Correspondent: Evgeniya Gazizova

The Mi-8MTV5, as we know from the Air Force CinC, is in the state arms program for procurement. I suppose they may start replacing Mi-8Ms with Mi-38s in the post-2010 period.