The intent of the Russian Helicopters holding company to carry on with the development of the Mil Mi-38 future multirole medium-lift helicopter to unveil it on the market in 2015 was reaffirmed during the HeliRussia 2012 show in May. During the programme presentation, it was said that the Mi-38’s only competitor was the Agusta Westland AW101 that has enjoyed good demand.

The second Mi-38 (OP-2) prototype powered by Pratt &Whitney Canada PW127TS engines is in trials now. Last year, the first prototype (OP-1) was converted to the Mi-382 version equipped with Russian-made TV7-117V turboshafts. The beginning of the flight tests has been put off till summer due to the need of debugging the main gearbox. Meanwhile, Kazan Helicopters is completing the third prototype (OP-3), with the TV7-117V engines having been delivered to the manufacturer to fit it. In addition, the OP-4’s construction has begun, with the prototype to serve as the baseline model for subsequent full-scale production.