Russian Helicopters' Mi-171A2 prototype makes maiden flight

Russian Helicopters has launched flight tests on the first prototype of the multirole Mi-171A2 helicopter.


During its first flight its main systems were tested and found to be in excellent working order, according to commander and test pilot 1st class Salavat Sadriev.

The first prototype of the Mi-171A2 was designed for tests on its in-flight operability and safety when using the KBO-17 avionics suite, including its interoperability with the new VK-2500PS-03 engines, and to test the new powerplant.

The first Mi-171A2 prototype has been subjected to ground runs, which passed off smoothly and led to the first successful tests in hover mode in October 2014. The new helicopter’s rotor system and engine were tested by the special ‘flying laboratory’ – Mi-171LL.