Mi-38 finally finished

Hope of Russian Helicopter Pilots Coming on Line

Assembly of the first prototype of the new jointly developed Mi-38 multirole helicopter has been completed, only some equipment necessary for first flight remained to be installed. Aircraft No. 1 has been transferred to the plant’s (the Kazan’ Helicopter Plant) flight test station where final checks, final adjustment, refinement and final preflight tests will take place.

As has become known from an informed source, the “hope” of Russian helicopter pilots “has come on line ((POSTAVILI POD TOK)). There is no longer any doubt the aircraft will be lifted into the air. According to official representatives, it should occur in the first half of this year.

At the present time, three fuselages of the helicopter have been built: one was “broken” during shock tests (simulation of an emergency landing), and the two others have been set aside for assembly of experimental prototypes (one of them is being prepared for first flight.) It is evident two prototypes are not sufficient for such a program.

There are many questions, as there are in any other program, but the time for answers and adoption of solutions for continuing the program inexorably is approaching. However, the impression is developing that, despite the fact that very much has been said about the program, the “hope” of the Russian helicopter pilots will not excite anyone except the helicopter builders themselves.

Source: 24.03.03, Aviaport.RU, Natal’ya Avtushko