Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, has signed an agreement with RN-Aerokraft to deliver two Mi-171 and two Mi-8AMT helicopters for use by oil company Rosneft.

The helicopters will be used in Rosneft’s operations to develop and service offshore and onshore projects.

“Strategic cooperation between Rostec and Rosneft in important spheres such as developing offshore fields is an example of how major natural resources projects can create demand for the latest technologies, support demand for Russian industrial products, and allow us to tap into the potential of Russian engineers and scientists,” said Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov. “Rostec is able to meet this demand in full. It is particularly important given that use of advanced Russian technology to develop hydrocarbons deposits is a guarantee of Russia’s energy security, which is an important factor in the Russian economy as a whole and in the final analysis national security as well.”

The passenger Mi-171s will carry teams of shift workers and cargo to onshore oil and gas sites.

“This will be the first time that helicopters of this type have been produced in Russia. There are no similar aircraft operating on the Russian market today. Russian Helicopters has created a unique aircraft that is fully able to cope with a wide variety of challenging tasks to service offshore projects,” said Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev. “To develop modern technologies we use successful solutions that have been tried and tested in practice, as well as the latest advances in aircraft building. It should be noted that each Mi-8AMT helicopter will be equipped with advanced on-board avionics.”

The new hi-tech Mi-8AMT has been developed in part based on recommendations from the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers for fitting out a medium helicopter in maritime configuration. These multifunctional aircraft will be used for carrying shift teams, search and rescue support and emergency evacuation of staff from offshore platforms and vessels.

Mi-8/17 helicopters are renowned and in demand around the world for their reliability, adaptability, and ease of use and maintenance. Russian Helicopters is working with leading oil and gas experts to improve the capabilities of existing helicopters and create new aircraft prototypes.