Mi-171M officially renamed Mi-171A2

On the eve of MAKS 2011, the Russian Helicopters holding company revealed the marketing name for the newest member of the Mil Мi-8/17 rotorcraft family, formerly known under the designation Mi-171M. The Mi-171A2, as this version is to be referred to from now on, has been under development at Mil since 2009. Production at the Ulan-Ude-based U-UAZ aircraft production plant is to start in 2014. It is based on the Mi-171A1 model, already produced by U-UAZ, which has been certified to Russian and Brazilian airworthiness standards.

The Mi-171A2 will offer more than 80 improvements over the baseline, including more powerful engines, improved transmission, composite main rotor blades, an X-shaped tail rotor, and a glass cockpit — all adding up to better performance, easier maintenance, and lower operating costs.

Russian Helicopters finalized the technical specifications for the Mi-171A2 in November 2010. The program has benefited greatly from feedback provided by commercial and government operators of Mi-8/17 helicopters. Further development, testing, and certification should be completed by the end of 2013.