Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) is preparing to provide after-sales service and maintenance for Russian-made helicopters operated in Egypt. The repair base in Heluane (Egypt) will be retooled in order to provide technical support for repairs to Mi-8T and Mi-17-1V helicopters operated by the Egyptian Air Force.

Under an agreement reached, Russian Helicopters will authorise the Heluane plant as an aircraft repair plant able to carry out comprehensive repairs to Mi-8T and Mi-17-1V helicopters. The Egyptian Air Force’s fleet of 41 Mi-8Ts and 3 Mi-17-1V helicopters will all undergo comprehensive repair work at this facility.

‘We feel it is vital to build upon the already positive image that Russian-made helicopters have abroad. That is why we are prioritising work to establish an after-sales network providing first-class maintenance and repair services for Russian-made helicopters throughout their full life-cycle,’ Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said. ‘We urge all those who operate our helicopters globally to take this opportunity to use the after-sales service provision offered by Russian Helicopters or certified enterprises, and to steer clear of dubious suppliers and providers – after all, the lives of pilots and many others depend on the quality of the components used and of the repairs and maintenance work carried out.’

Russian Helicopters’ specialists stress that repairs to Mi-8/17 helicopters must be carried out in accordance with the requisite repair documentation issued by the production plant and agreed with the developer. Customers are advised to purchase spare parts and components from Russian Helicopters companies or from certified enterprises.

To support comprehensive repair work to the frames, components, gears and rotor systems in helicopters operated by Egypt’s Air Force, Russian Helicopters will deliver equipment for the production line, carry out commissioning work, and transfer all the necessary documentation to the Egyptian side. Egyptian specialists will be trained to carry out comprehensive repairs to Mi-8T, Mi-17-1V and Mi-17V-5 at Russian Helicopters’ Novosibirsk Aircraft Repair Plant. Russian Helicopters will provide design and technical support for these repairs for a two year period.

The legendary Mi-8/17 helicopters, developed by Russian Helicopters’ Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, are renowned world-over. These reliable and easy-to-use helicopters are in constant demand. They are used in medevac and humanitarian missions, cargo and passenger transportation, including VIPs. Military transport Mi-8/17 helicopters are designed for transporting troops, and carrying cargo internally and on the external sling. They can also be used in patrol and search-and-rescue operations, and can also carry arms. They have been deployed during combat in a number of theatres, as well as in operations to counter illegal armed groups and narco-trafficking.

Mi-8/17 series helicopters’ capabilities constantly expand thanks to modernisation work and the latest equipment – which enables them to carry out increasingly complex operations. Today, more than 12,000 helicopters in this series have been produced and delivered to 100 countries.

Russian Helicopters is actively involved in expanding its after-sales service and maintenance provision to commercial and military helicopter operators in all key regional markets. The service centre infrastructure is expanding in line with the geographic reach of Russian Helicopters’ sales. Authorised service centres are operational in: Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Asia Pacific region and the CIS.

Press release and picture Russian Air Force