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

Andrey Fomin
industry | news
Mi-26T2 trials
Flight tests of the first upgraded
Mil Mi-26T2 heavylift helicopter
continue at Rostvertol JSC’s flight
test facility in Rostov-on-Don. The
machine is a derivative of the production
Mi-26T, from which it differs
in having an up-to-date digital avionics
suite allowing effective roundthe-clock
operation and a flying crew
reduction down to two. In addition,
provision has been made for use
of upgraded D-136-2 (AI-136T) turboshaft
engines featuring enhanced
power under hot-and-high conditions.
The Mi-26T2’s advanced avionics
suite is wrapped around the
NPK-90-2 flight/navigation system
comprising an electronic display
system of five multifunction liquid-
6
crystal displays (MFD), control
panels, integral digital computer,
NAVSTAR/GLONASS-capable satellite
navigation systems and a digital
flight suite. Optional gear includes
night-vision goggles (NVG).
To keep an eye on the externally
slung cargo in daytime,
there is an integral TV device
Mi-34C1 snags first orders
The key current light helicopter
programme being pursued by
the Russian Helicopters holding
company is the resumed production
of the heavily upgraded Mil
Mi-34C1 by the Progress aircraft
company in the town of
Arsenyev. New helicopter features
the advanced M9FV piston
engine, an up-to-date avionics
suite and a number of design and
systems improvements aimed
at enhancing the operating efficiency
and reliability as well as
extending the service life of the
aircraft. This, coupled with a reasonable
price, is going to help the
Mi-34C1 to get a good niche on
the market.
Russian Helicopters Mi-34C1
programme manager Dmitry Rodin
told Take-off that Mil Helicopter
Plant now completing two Mi-34C1
prototypes. One of them, the OP-1,
is slated for the maiden flight in
June to be followed by the other,
the OP-2. Both Mi-34C1 prototypes
will be displayed during the MAKS
2011 air show in August, one to
be demonstrated as part of the
flight programme and the other as
a static display. The Mi-34C1 is
to complete its certification programme
by year-end.
On 19 May, during the HeliRussia
2011, the Russian Helicopters holding
company landed its first order
for the advanced machine after
feeding full-colour imagery on to
the multifunction display in the
cockpit. At night, visual control
of the cargo can be exercised
by means of the extra TSl-1600
searchlight installed in the fuselage
nose section. In addition to
the standard mode, the searchlight
has the infrared mode for
use of NVGs.
The Mi-26T2 helicopter hauls
outsized cargo and vehicles
weighing a total of 20 t both
inside the cargo cabin and on the
external sling. The troop carrier
variant carries 82 troops, with its
casevac version airlifting up to 60
casualties or sick personnel. The
machine can be used for civil and
erection works of various degrees
of complexity, fire-suppression
operations and fuel delivery,
including self-contained refuelling
of vehicles on the ground, and
other operations.
the launch customer UTair had
placed an order for ten Mi-34C1
helicopters for its training centre.
The deliveries are slated to kick off
in 2012. In addition, the show saw
an agreement signed by the French
company Aero Progress, the latter
intent on promoting the Mi-34C1
The Mi-26T2 upgrade is a contender
in the tender issued by the
Indian Defence Ministry for 15
heavylift helicopters. A Mi-26T
performed a successful series
of demonstration flights in India,
including some of them in mountainous
terrain, and Indian pilots
have tested a Mi-26T2 prototype in
Rostov-on-Don recently. The potential
customer has not spared praise
for the aircraft, and experts rate
the Mi-26T2’s chances for coming
up on top in the Indian tender
high enough. The Russian Defence
Ministry is eying the Mi-26T2 too.
Following a long lull, it has resumed
acquisition of a new Mi-26 batch
recently. The first new helicopter for
the Russian Air Force was rolled out
to Rostvertol’s airfield and kicked
off its flight test programme in May
this year. The Russian military is
expected to order the upgraded
Mi-26T2 in the future.
on the European market. The signatories
believe the helicopter can
be needed in the West, since it features
a number of advantages over
the popular Eurocopter EC120. The
first two Mi-34C1s are planned for
delivery to the French company
in 2013.
take-off june 2011 www.take-off.ru
Rostvertol PLC
Andrey Fomin