The new Russian multi-purpose Mi-171A2 helicopters were sent to be tested in Yakutia Extremely low temperature in the region will help experts assess whether the aircraft can work under extreme conditions. It will take a month to test the helicopters. They will conduct 20 test flights.
Vladimir Suzdalov with the details.
The ultra-modern Mi-171A2 is landing on the test airfield. Crew commander Nikolai Grigoryev is in Yakutia for the first time. He began his pilot career in 1986. He's tested all Mi-class helicopters. But the auto-landing regime in conditions of poor visibility surprised even the experienced pilot.
Nikolai Grigoryev, test pilot: "These complexes include all modern means of navigation that allow the helicopter to avoid collision with the ground which happens perhaps too frequently especially in conditions of poor visibility when there are no landmarks around. or during the polar night".
Test flights are as extreme as possible. The engine is started without gassing up and the helicopter rises to the sky. Once in the sky, the aircraft begins to demonstrate its advantages: it gains altitude in a matter of minutes. It's mobile: it's the fastest helicopter among the Mi-class. Its maximum speed is 300 km/h. All systems are being tested. At low temperatures, they endure extreme stress.
Salavat Sadriyev, test pilot: "One of the main requirements of the low-temperature tests is finding out the lowest temperature the helicopter can function at. In our case, it's -50°".
Yakutian tests will decide whether it will be produced commercially. The Mi-171A2-class helicopters have successfully passed the low-temperature test. Today, the temperature at the airfield was -43°. Now, the pilots will return the helicopters to the airfield in Yakutsk where they'll receive special certification marks.
Vladimir Suzdalov Maxim Burtsev Vesti, Yakutia
