Page 77 - World Airnews Magazine July Edition 2020

NEWS DIGITAL

THE FIRST CIVILIAN ARCTIC

HELICOPTER

tors with reliable and modern helicopters, which is irreplaceable
when many important tasks related to work in the region are
The Mi-8AMT helicopter in its Arctic version has completed carried out."
the flight-test programme and the procedure of acceptance by The helicopter is equipped with two additional fuel tanks, which
an independent commission of the Federal Air Transport Agency allow it to fly long distances. This in very important for northern
(Rosaviatsiya). districts with low population density. The arctic version of
The rotorcraft's main features include a unique system for Mi-8AMT can fly up to 1,400 km.
heating transmission parts, designed by JSC ‘National helicopter An emergency floatation system can also be installed on the
centre Мil&Kamov’. helicopter to fly over vast areas of waters in the Arctic.
The system provides for quick start of engines in extremely low "This helicopter is necessary for air medical services, mainte-
temperatures, even if the helicopter is deployed without a hangar nance of facilities of the fuel and energy complex, and for meeting
for a long time. the needs of polar expeditions. It may also help organize transpor-
The system for heating transmission parts is complemented by tation in northern regions," said managing director of Ulan-Ude
an improved system for thermal protection of the cargo cabin and aviation plant Leonid Belykh.
special thermal insulation shutters in sliding doors and cockpit When the helicopter was designed, great attention was given to
doors. ensuring that it is capable of flying over the Arctic terrain with few
Special cover protects the helicopter from low temperatures, features, in the conditions of polar night, harsh weather, and when
high humidity and strong wind, if it is deployed without a hangar satellite and radio signals are lost. For that purpose the rotorcraft
for a long time. The helicopter systems have Teflon hose, which is is equipped with a special navigation complex.
resistant to freezing temperatures, instead of rubber hose. The complex includes several navigation systems for locating the
"The new Mi-8AMT helicopter will be sought after by many helicopter, radar with horizontal and vertical sweep of information
Russian companies and government agencies implementing on the weather, a digital autopilot, and radio stations with a wide
projects and tasks in the Arctic. The first rotorcraft is ready to range of frequencies.
start operation, and negotiations with several potential Russian The helicopter is capable of automated hovering, flying a
customers are underway," said director general of Russian planned hovering route, and landing. The navigation system
Helicopters Andrey Boginsky. considerably reduces the load on the crew, and ensures greater
"The holding company is making every effort to provide opera- safety of the flight. Q

Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) started serial production of Mi-8AMT Arctic
helicopters for civilian customers. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant made the first rotorcraft which is ready to start operation.

World Airnews | July Extra 2020
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