Russia’s first militarised series-produced Mi-38T transport helicopter conducted its maiden flight on 23 November at the Kazan Rotorcraft Factory. 

The helicopter’s maiden flight was performed by test pilots of the Moscow-based Mil Rotorcraft Factory of Russian Helicopters Group (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec).

The first flight of the militarised version of the Mi-38T helicopter is a long-awaited event in the process of fielding the 15.6t helicopter in production and testing for its launch customer, the Russian Defense Ministry.

“The Mi-38T, which today performed its first flight, is the version, which the Group [Russian Helicopters], the Factory and the Mil Design Bureau were making under a technical assignment approved by the Defense Ministry. This helicopter has been made on the basis of the civil rotorcraft whose production has been organized at the Kazan Rotorcraft Factory. This is the helicopter that has actually all the basic certificates of Rosaviatsiya [the Russian aviation watchdog]. This is a continuation and a possibility to enter a new market for us. This work is very important for the Group, both for the Design Bureau and the Factory, because this will help utilize the enterprise’s capacities, create jobs and ensure tax receipts in the region,” Russian Helicopters Group CEO Andrei Boginsky told media.

As Deputy Managing Director of the Kazan Rotorcraft Factory Vadim Ligai told journalists, the helicopter can take up to 40 passengers on its board. The rotorcraft is 99% made of domestic components.

Mi-38 helicopters are equipped with TV7-117V highly efficient engines produced by the Klimov United Engine-Making Corporation. The helicopter features an integrated digital pilot navigation system with data shown on five liquid crystal displays and an explosion-proof protected fuel system. Additional landing gear struts enable the helicopter to land on soft ground and snow.

The helicopter’s cabin is furnished with easily removable seats, detachable medical equipment and roller equipment for cargo transportation.