Meet Mi-8AMT the First Civilian Arctic Helicopter

Russian Helicopters Holding (part of Rostec State Corporation) announced today in a press release that it has started serial production of Arctic Mi-8AMT helicopters for civilian customers. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant has produced the first helicopter and it is ready for transfer to operation.

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The Arctic Mi-8AMT helicopter completed the flight test programme and received an independent inspection from the Federal Air Transport Agency. One of the main features of the Mi-8AMT Arctic helicopter is the unique system of heating transmission units developed by the National Centre for Helicopter Engineering "MIL and KAMOV", thanks to which it is possible to quickly start engines at extremely low temperatures, even if the board has been in a hangar-free outdoor environment for a long time.

The ventilation and air conditioning systems are complemented by improved heat shields and special heat-insulating curtains in the sliding door and cabin doors. Protection of the helicopter from low temperature, high temperature, and strong wind for long-term outdoor use is ensured by special covers. The helicopter system has frost-resistant Teflon hoses instead of rubber ones.

"The new Mi-8AMT will be in demand among a wide range of Russian companies and government agencies, within the framework of which projects and tasks are being carried out in the Arctic zone. The first machine is ready to be put into operation, negotiations are underway with a number of Russian customers," the general director of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky said.

He added: "the Holding is making every effort to provide operators with reliable and modern helicopter technology, which is indispensable for many important tasks in the development of the region. "

The helicopter is equipped with additional fuel tanks, allowing it to fly in large areas, which is very important for sparsely populated northern regions. The flight range of the Mi-8AMT Arctic is up to 1400 km. Also, an emergency splashdown system can be installed on the helicopter for flights over vast water surfaces of the Arctic zone.

“This helicopter is necessary for solving the tasks of air ambulance, servicing objects of the fuel and energy complex, for the needs of polar expeditions, and can help organize transport communications in the northern regions,” said Leonid Belykh, Managing Director of U-UAZ.

Much attention was paid to the creation of a helicopter for flying in conditions typical for the Arctic low-orientation terrain, polar night, difficult weather conditions, the disappearance of satellite signals and radio communications. For this purpose, the helicopter is equipped with a special complex of flight and navigation equipment.

The complex includes several navigation systems for determining the location of the helicopter, a locator with horizontal and vertical scan of weather data, a digital autopilot, and radio stations with a wide frequency range. The machine is capable of automatically hovering, flying along the planned hovering route and landing approach. The flight navigation system significantly reduces the load on the crew and contributes to increased flight safety.

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