Rosoboronexport and Chinese company Poly Technologies, Inc. in August signed a contract for delivery of 52 Mi-171E transport helicopters to China in 2012-2014. The first eight Mi-171Es are scheduled for delivery in 2012, with the rest slated for 2013 and 2014.

The contracts follow on from agreements signed in 2009 by Russian Helicopters and Poly Technologies for delivery of 32 Mi-171Es to China. The contract was highly successful, with the buyer’s group of technical experts fully satisfied by the build and component quality in the Mi-171Es, as well as the accompanying technical documentation.

Successful completion of the agreement in 2011 paved the way for a deepening of the relationship with Poly Technologies in buying Russian manufactured helicopter technology.

Poly Technologies seeks to acquire helicopters with state-of-the-art technical features and employs very rigorous quality control. At the client’s request, the Mi-171Es are equipped with VK-2500-03 engines, SAFIR 5K/G MI auxiliary power units and enhanced transmission systems that allow them to operate at higher altitudes including in mountainous terrain.

Mi-8/17 family helicopters have a long and successful record of use in China, carrying out a range of missions from transporting goods and passengers to geological surveying, patrolling, fire-fighting and offshore transportation.

The Mi-171E is produced at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, part of Russian Helicopters. It is equipped with search and rescue equipment and for special operations including at night-time. This makes it extremely effective in a wide range of situations, including at mountain altitudes and in hot climates, and able to operate around the clock.

Russian Helicopters press release