Mi-171A2 sets Russian record for maximum speed

Mi-171A2 Rostec

A Rostec State Corporation Mi-171A2 helicopter has set the Russian record for the maximum speed reached by a helicopter at a limited distance of 1.6 km

During the Baikal Mile Festival of Speed, the civilian helicopter piloted by a crew from the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (U-UAZ) reached a speed of 268 km/h at an altitude of 20 metres.

Rostec Executive Director Oleg Evtushenko said: “The Mi-171A2 embodied the best characteristics of the world-famous Mi-8/17 series aircraft. The machine once again demonstrated on Baikal that their best qualities are speed, controllability, manoeuvrability and stability. A record set at a short distance and with height restrictions confirmed the high flight technical characteristics of the helicopter.”

The Mi-171A2 has VK-2500PS-03 engines and a digital control system as well as modernised flight-navigation and radio communication equipment. It can be used at high altitude as well as in high and low temperatures.

The helicopter is deployed in search and rescue, medical transport, and firefighting missions.

Leonid Belykh from the U-UAZ said: “The participation of the helicopter in the festival over the ice surface of Lake Baikal was another opportunity to demonstrate the potential of the Mi-171A2. The flights to set the record started with hovering. I am confident in our technology and pilot skills.”