MOSCOW, September 23 (RIA Novosti) – Russian helicopter design and manufacturing company, Russian Helicopters, jointly with the Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET) have begun testing the Mi-171A2 transport helicopter at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the Russian Helicopters press-service stated on Tuesday.
"At the moment two helicopters are performing hovering tests: a flying laboratory, assembled on the basis of the Mi-8/17 helicopter and the first prototype of the Mi-171A2. The second flight model is being completed at the Mil Plant, after which it will also join the trials," the statement said.
Thanks to a new navigation complex, Mi-171A2 is able to carry out missions safely at any time, including in adverse weather conditions.
The on-board system KBO-17 is equipped with a satellite display system (GPS/GLONASS), a planning and navigation system (VOR/ILS) as well as a system signaling obstacles such as power lines, masts and isolated trees. In addition, the KBO-17 can be equipped with a twenty-four hour surveillance system upon client request.
Russian Helicopters expects the Mi-171A2 to be fully certified by 2015.
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom (part of Rostec corporation) is a global leader in the field of helicopter manufacture and the only developer and manufacturer of helicopters in Russia.
KRET is Russia's largest holding company in the electronic industry, formed in 2009. It consists of 97 scientific research institutes, design bureaus and production plants located in 29 different regions in the Russian Federation.
