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 One of the main novelties displayed by the Russian Helicopters holding company at the 7th HeliRussia international helicopter industry show (HeliRussia 2014) held in the Crocus Expo international exhibition centre in Moscow on the 22-24 May 2014 was the upgraded prototype of the Mi-38-2 advanced medium transport helicopter, OP-1, fitted with an advanced powerplant made up of a pair of Klimov TV7-117V turboshaft engines. Painted in a new livery in the run-up to the show, the helicopter landed in front of Crocus Expo, having flown from the National Helicopter Industry Centre's facility in Tomilino where it had been in trials.
During the first phase of the flight test programme, which had been under way since 2003 in Kazan and then in the Moscow Region, the OP-1 prototype was powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada XPW127/5 experimental engines. The prototype's conversion to the domestic powerplant and upgraded powertrain and their debugging on board the helicopter kicked off in 2011. At the same time, Kazan Helicopters manufactured the third Mi-38 prototype - the Mi-38-2 (OP-3) powered by a pair of TV7-117Vs too. Its flight tests in Tomilino commenced in November 2013, and the upgraded Mi-38-2 (OP-1) flew there in April this year. Mention should be made that the second Mi-38 prototype, the XPW127/5-powered OP-2, is airworthy now too.
The TV7-117V-powered Mi-38-2 and PW127TS-powered Mi-38-1 have a maximum takeoff weight of 15,600 kg (16,200 kg with underslung cargo) and haul 6 t of cargo in the cabin or 7 t slung under belly at a cruising speed of 285 km/h. The cabin can seat 30 passengers. The helicopter also is offered in the searchand-rescue, medevac, offshore and VIP versions, while surpassing other machines in the class in terms of the carrying and seating capacities.
Now, there is the fourth flying prototype (OP-4) in the final stage of assembly at the helicopter plant in Kazan. It will serve the yardstick for future production-standard Mi-38-2s.
Details on the plans under the Mi-38 programme were unveiled during the show. The type certificate for the TV7-117V engine is supposed to be obtained in November 2014. The Mi-38-2's factory certification tests are to be completed in June 2015 and its second stage certification tests in November 2015. The certification is being performed in compliance with the AP-29 air rules harmonised with the European CS-29 and US FAR-29 regulations. The cargo version of the Mi-38-2 is to be issued its type certificate by the IAC's Aircraft Register in December 2015. By then, Kazan Helicopters should launch the helicopter's series production and deliveries may start.
(Photo: Alexey Mikheyev)
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