Russian Helicopters, final certification tests on the Mi-38

Russian Helicopters has launched the final stage of certification testing on the Mi-38 multirole helicopter. Testing is being carried out on two prototype models of the helicopter fitted with Russian TV7-117V engines.

On 3 November 2014, Russian Helicopters’ Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant received the fourth prototype of the Mi-38 in order to continue certification flight testing. The helicopter is built at Kazan Helicopters, also a Russian Helicopters company. On 20 October 2014, it successfully completed a series of hover tests and low-speed ground runs, after which it was transported overland to the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.

For further flight tests, the fourth Mi-38 prototype will be fitted with the full suite of on-board data acquisition systems. Starting flight tests on the forth prototype boosts progress towards the Mi-38’s certification – which is scheduled for 2015.

The fourth Mi-38 prototype is a pre-series model, comprising all the systems and components that would be installed on the series-produced helicopters of this type. It differs from the third prototype in its shock-resistant fuel system, which meets the latest emergency landing fire safety requirements. It also boasts larger windows that serve as additional emergency exits.

Source and image: Russian Helicopters