«Воздушная касатка»: что известно про российский тяжёлый вертолёт Ми-38

The Russian heavy helicopter Mi-38, nicknamed "Air Orca" for its unusual color and significant endurance, is being discussed online.

Until recently, only men could be seen at its helm. Recently, the situation has changed. Milana Smerdova became the world's first female pilot of the Mi-38 helicopter and entered the Russian Book of Records. She works in the Magadan Region at "Aviation of Kolyma."

Mi-38 is a civilian multi-purpose universal helicopter manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant. It is capable of performing the duties of a search and rescue helicopter and a flying hospital, and is used for flights over water.

Among its functions are the transportation of goods and passengers: both ordinary and VIPs. In the case of economy class, the helicopter can carry up to 30 passengers, in the VIP lounge - only 12 people.

Mi-38 characteristics:

speed - 300 km/h;
cruising speed - 250 km/h;
maximum flight range with main fuel tanks - 880 km;

flight range with a cargo weighing 5,000 kg - 420 km;

flight range with additional fuel tanks and a cargo weighing 2700 kg - 1200 km;

practical ceiling - 6,300 m;

static hovering ceiling outside the zone of influence of the earth - 3,750 m;

maximum take-off weight - 15,600 kg;

maximum take-off weight with cargo on an external sling - 15,600 kg;

maximum payload in the transport cabin - 5000 kg;

maximum payload on the external cargo sling - 5000 kg;

power plant — 2xTV7-117V gas turbine engines from UEC-Klimov. Their power in take-off mode is 2,800 hp, in emergency mode - 3,850 hp.

The Mi-38 helicopter can be operated in a wide range of climatic conditions, including marine, tropical and cold climates. This makes it indispensable both in Russia and for foreign interested parties: in 2023, Rosoboronexport sent the first rotorcraft to customers. In particular, the VIP version of the Mi-38 helicopter was received by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.