Specialists of the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of the Russian Helicopters holding, finished a series of Mi-38 flights conducted under the instrument flight rules (IFR), as well as in conditions of extremely high temperature and high altitude. Test results were delivered to the Federal Air Transport Agency Rosaviatsiya to make additions to the helicopter type certificate.
Up to 45°C
The Mi-38 made more than 50 flights in the city of Astrakhan, successfully confirming the possibility to operate at ambient temperatures of up to +45 degrees Celsius. High altitude tests were conducted at Mount Elbrus. The results confirmed the Mi-38’s ability to fly in altitudes of up to 3000 meters above sea level.
In addition, the helicopter made a series of 50 flights, during which the possibility of piloting and navigation was evaluated in the absence of visual visibility of landmarks and the horizon.
“Considering there’s high interest in the helicopter from both Russian and foreign customers, we’re trying to test and document the its capabilities to the maximum. In particular, we are planning to test a new surveillance system and certify new hardened main rotor blades (which will also be used in Mi-171A2) in the near future“, said the Director General of Russian Helicopters, Andrey Boginsky.
