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The new Russian helicopter set a record
During the execution of the certification factory test the latest Russian helicopterMi-38 reached a record altitude - 8 thousand 800 meters and transmits whistle with reference to ITAR-TASS reported.
This is related to the festive opening ceremony of the memorial complex of the helicopter Mi-8. According to the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after Mikhail Mil, a world record, as yet "no peace in this class helicopter (take-off weight 15.6 metric tons) did not achieve such results."
Helicopter-champion Mi-38 engines have firm Pratt & Whitney Canada. Version of this aircraft with Russian engines are now broadcast on the flight tests. It is likely talking about the engine TV7-117V. After the test, the helicopter will receive a certificate of airworthiness.
The average passenger transport helicopter Mi-38 is designed to carry passengers (including the VIP-transport) inside the cargo cabin and on the external load, search and rescue operations, aviaobespecheniya offshore development, and can be equipped as a flying hospital.
It should be noted that two years ago, the world record in the industry vertolestroitelnoy established with Ukrainian engine. In June 2010 in Konotop Mi-8MTV with the power plant TV3-117VMA SBM1V-production "Motor Sich" rose to a height of 8100 meters in 14 minutes 9 seconds. This was a world record in speed climbing for helicopters.
http://www.militaryparitet.com/ttp/data/ic_ttp/2599/
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Thats some pretty impressive stuff. That is 2 thousand short of cruising altitude.Although I dont know how long a helo could fly at that altitude without going through too much fuel to make it worthwhile.
It is impressive helicopter in its class..
Just to point this, highest altitude record by Helicopter is set at absolute altitude 12,442 m (40,814 ft)..
Impressive, but not to be offensive to Russian aerospace as I know they make good products, most in the Western world won't pay for a Russian helicopter when they end up costing the same as a Bell or Sikorsky product. What makes the Mi8/17 so popular is the price (even though they get an experimental certification in the US). Just my two pennies.
Yeah or it could be its versatility, its resilience to extreme conditions, its ease of maintenance, its excellent viewing ports for the pilots situated in a low-Slung Cockpit+Large spacious cabin and even larger cargo bay, its impressive power plant of two TV3-117MTs turbo shaft engines, its ability to mount almost any ordinance package for any particular missions and even further, its ability to carry 3,000 pounds of Munitions.Originally Posted by Hutz
Yep it's the price for sure.
Since when is the overall performance the most important factor in procurment? Sphere' of influence and lobby groups decide what is the best piece of equipment for the defence of any given nation. Defence spending has always been influenced by politics and always will be.
Since its been offered to the civil market, tonnes of private operators use mils like logging company here in NZ.
Uh huh, and these procurement groups are smart enough to understand that buying military equipment particularly Helicopters means they are making a long term investment and they expect to receive the greatest return on their investment. MI8/17 has been giving Investors the greatest bang for their buck for over 42 years ever since the first prototype rolled off the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant assembly line.
Well, as an example, Argentina wanted Chinooks and got Mi-17s instead. The price was the biggest factor in the decision (2 new Mils = refurbishment of two used Chinooks). The 2nd was ferry range (this is why the Ka-32 was rejected).
No one is disputing the fact that Mil makes excellent helicopters. I actually hope the FAA buys more of them in the future.
Fair enough, I suppose one of the biggest inclinations in purchases is the price.
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