Second Experimental Mi-38 Helicopter to Be Built This Year

The second experimental example of the medium lift Mi-38 (OP-2) helicopter will be built at the Kazan' helicopter plant this year, the OAO Vertolety Rossii ((Helicopters of Russia)) general director Andrey Shibitov reported.

He explained that the almost year delay in construction of the OP-2 was caused by several factors. "There was substantial underfunding from the state budget for several years in the Mi-38 scientific research and experimental design work program. Moreover, some of the delay was caused also by the pull-out of the European company Eurocopter from the program. However, Mi-38 scientific research and experimental design work has been strictly according to the timetable for the last three years and is financed fully within the framework of the state support established for the realization of this program," the Vertolety Rossii head said.

According to him, at the present time OP-2 construction is underway and will be continued this year in a configuration which corresponds to standard construction, which will undergo certification tests.

As of today some delay has been caused by the need for the certification of the aircraft's engine which is being created by one of the Mi-38 participants, the Pratt & Whitney ((in English)) firm, and the time for the realization of the program now is being defined by the readiness of the engine, A. Shibitov added.

He noted that developers have formed very good partnering relations with the Pratt & Whitney firm. In the near future, the signing of an agreement for the second phase of Mi-38 scientific research and experimental design work.  The presence of this agreement will create the conditions for the further realization of this program. The first Mi-38 phase is the creation of the first example into the standard configuration and the performance of factory tests. The second scientific research and experimental design work phase includes certification tests, but at first the engine has to be certified and then the helicopter itself.

Source: 08.05.08, AviaPort.RU, Correspondent: Dmitriy Kozlov

Mi-34S Helicopter and Full-scale Mock-up of Mi-34AS Helicopter with VIP Lay-out to be Demonstrated at HeliRussia 2008 Exhibition

((The expo is being held in Moscow from 15 through 17 May.  Title says the rest.  Not further translated.))

Source: 07.05.08, AVIA.RU

Vyacheslav Boguslaev: OAO Motor Sich Ready to Triple Helicopter Engine Deliveries to Russian Federation

((TV3-117 and VK-2500 engines.  Not further translated.))

{YAWN}

Russia and Italy Compete for Brazilian Helicopter Contract

Source: 04.05.08, ARMS-TASS

((Maybe.  Title says the rest.  Not further translated.))

Source: 4.05.08, Gazeta.RU

Start of New D-136 Helicopter Engine Production Needed in Near Future

GIST.

The engine is required because of the growing number of clients for the Mi-26 heavy helicopter.  In the meantime, work on the engine, which is being built by Motor Sich who holds all the documentation, to extend its service life even further.  The mean-time-between-overhaul time right now is 1,000 hours and designated service life is 3,000. 

The D-136 turboshaft engine has a takeoff rating of 11,400 horsepower. (it is one of the most powerful helicopter engines in the world) with a specific fuel consumption of 198 grams per horsepower per hour. The engine's power while cruising is 6,100 horsepower with a specific fuel consumption of 230 kilograms per horsepower per hour. Dry weight of the engine is 1,077 kilograms.

Source: 04.05.08, AviaPort.RU, Correspondent: Dmitriy Kozlov

New Flight Vehicle Being Readied for Production at Moscow Mil' Helicopter Plant

The first flight tests of the Mi-54 helicopter will take place in 2011

The Moscow Mil' helicopter plant plans to complete development and begin series production of the new lightweight multipurpose Mi-54 helicopter in 3 years. The helicopter will weight four and a half tonnes. The flight tests and certification will be in 2011, and it is intended to begin production in 2012. According to him ((unspecified in article)), the production facility where the Mi-54 will be produced in series as of today is intended to be the Rostvertol company.