The Russian multi-purpose Mi-171A2 helicopter, after modernization, has been officially recognized as capable of operating in high mountains at low temperatures down to -50°C.
Rosaviatsiya has approved the operation of Mi-171A2 helicopters from airfields and landing sites at altitudes up to 5,000 meters above sea level. They have already been tested at temperatures from -50°C to +50°C and can easily cope with their tasks.
During additional certification tests, the machine performed several dozen flights in the mountainous regions of Kabardino-Balkaria and the foothills of Elbrus. At the same time, the load on the aircraft was gradually increased, bringing the take-off weight to the maximum permissible 13 tons. Flights with all load options proceeded normally. At the high-altitude site, the Mi-171A2 also underwent tests with the simulation of emergency situations: the helicopter showed the safety of landing and take-off when simulating the failure of one engine.
The multi-purpose Mi-171A2 helicopter is manufactured by Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Rostec.
The helicopter carries up to twenty passengers, or a flight crew and cargo. It can carry up to five tons on an external sling, up to four tons in the cabin, and its maximum take-off weight is thirteen tons. The flight altitude varies from 4 to 6 thousand meters.
The Mi-171A2 can fly up to 800 km with its main tanks, and its cruising speed is 260 km/h. The "heart" of the helicopter is the VK-2500PS-03 gas turbine engine.