Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Rostec State Corporation, has delivered a Mi-171E built at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant to the Kazakhstan Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Ministry uses Mi-8/17s for routine patrolling and search-and-rescue missions, and for transporting personnel and cargo.

The Mi-171E has a number of features that give it an edge in Kazakhstan’s extremes of climate – temperatures can range from plus 50 to minus 58 degrees Celsius – and geography, marked by extensive steppe and tall mountain ranges. The helicopter can operate across localities from steppe to foothills to mountains, and can withstand temperatures from plus to minus 50. The Mi-171E can operate in all weathers and difficult navigation conditions.

The Ministry chose the Mi-171E for its flexibility – the helicopter can carry up to 26 passengers or 12 wounded people on stretchers accompanied by medical personnel. In its cargo configuration the helicopter can carry loads of up to 4,000 kg in its cabin or on an external sling. The Mi-171E is fitted with a Safir 5K/G Mi auxiliary power plant and VK-2500-03 engines that support operations at high altitude and turbulent air conditions. Helicopters of this type have a long list of optional extras to extend their operational possibilities. Under Russian Helicopters’ contract with the Ministry, Kazakh pilots and technical crew will be given theoretical and practical training at the Ulan-Ude plant.

Thanks to the Mi-171E’s competitive edge, its advanced flight capabilities, reliability and ease of operation, as well as its attractive price point, the Kazakhstan Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to expand its fleet of Russian-built helicopters in the future.

Russia and Kazakhstan have been working together on helicopter operations for several years. The Kazakhstan Emergencies Ministry makes active use of the Mi-171E and attests to its outstanding qualities.

The Mi-8/17 series are among the world’s most effective rescue helicopters. They are widely deployed to help deal with flooding, earthquakes and other disasters including forest fires around the world, and to provide emergency medical assistance in the field.

The Mi-171E is one of the latest versions of the Mi-8/17. It has been developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and is built at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, both of which are Russian Helicopters companies. Today more than 4,500 Mi-8/17 series helicopters are in operation around the world.