"An offshore version of Mi-171A2, the Mi-171A3 helicopter, which will meet all the requirements for shelf operations, will be launched [into production] soon. Preparations for its production are already underway", Belykh stated.
There has not been any need in such a helicopter previously, since oil used to be produced onshore only, he explained.
The Mi-173A3 is a deeply modernised version of the Mi-171A2 multipurpose helicopter. Its detailed technical characteristics are yet to be revealed.