SSJ100 launches operations PAK FA two prototypes flying already ...

Mi-38 second flying prototype arrives
at HeliRussia 2011 airshow at Moscow's
Crocus Expo, 18 May 2011
I believe the Mi-38 may well be called
a 21st-century helicopter, since we have
succeeded in implementing cutting-edge
design solutions, including up-to-date avionics
and materials. By the way, composites
make up over 30% of the materials used in
the helicopter. Such sensitive design elements
as main and tail rotor blades and
parts of the fuselage are made of composites.
The advanced machine is planned to
feature an extended service life. We assume
that it is possible that the Mi-38 will have
no service life limits, but will be subject to
on-condition maintenance.
What about the simulator for the Mi-38?
As is known, today, successful market promotion
of any helicopter is regarded by
potential customers from the viewpoint of
availability of training aids as well, particularly
simulators.
The Mi-38 programme is one of the few,
under which the development of the helicopter
ran parallel to the development of its simulator.
The task was given to the Transas company, the
manufacturer of the flight navigation suite to
fit the Mi-38. A Mi-38 helicopter simulator
was displayed in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region,
during the MAKS 2009 air show.
The Mi-38 simulator, which we are going
to offer to potential buyers of our advanced
helicopter, is expected to simulate the cockpit
and agility of the helicopter, responding to the
controls and simulating the outside view. Mil
and Transas are looking into the feasibility
of developing a specialised Mi-38 helicopter
simulator centre.
What is the prospect of the Mi-8/17 helicopter
family?
The Mi-8/17 family has been upgraded
repeatedly, but we believe it has not exhausted
its upgradeability yet. As far as the Mi-8
is concerned, we are running the so-called
reversed modernisation by applying some of
the solutions embodied in the leader, the
Mi-38, to the older machines. In the near
future, change can be made to the main rotor
that we are going to borrow from the Mi-38.
If all goes to plan, this will enable the Mi-8
to fly faster and higher and will offer a novel
approach to the service life of the rotor system,
though no considerable modification of
the airframe is planned.
The Russian Helicopters holding company
has cleared a heavy upgrade programme for
industry | interview
Mi-8MTV during highland trials
helicopters of the type, with the resultant
machine to be dubbed Mi-171A2. The holding
management has approved the requirements
specification for the upgrade of the
Mi-171A1 version certificated in line with
the up-to-date air worthiness standards and
recognised internationally.
A priority of the upgrade is to retain the current
market share in this niche and enhance
the machine’s safety. The model is to mount a
main rotor with all-composite blades. The tail
rotor will be composite too. This will ensure
a very long service life. The main and tail
rotors are to feature an advanced aerodynamic
configuration building on the latest scientific
advances and TsAGI’s wealth of experience.
As a result, we managed at the modeling
stage to attain a speed of 280 km/h
www.take-off.ru take-off june 2011
11
Alexey Mikheyev
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant