"Gazprom'' and ''Russian Helicopters'' signed a cooperation agreement to supply the first Russian offshore helicopters
Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the ''Gazprom'' Management Committee and Andrey Boginsky, Director General of ''Russian Helicopters'' (part of Rostec State Corporation) signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the supply of certified domestic-made Mi-171A3 maritime helicopters.
The Mi-171A3 is the first domestically produced helicopter intended primarily for offshore operations (transportation of passengers and cargo over the sea). This helicopter was designed according to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) standards.
Serial aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 13 tons. Mi-171A3 helicopter meets the increased safety requirements for flights over the water surface. In particular, it will be equipped with an emergency-resistant fuel system, an auto-activated emergency water landing system, and external life rafts. Mi-171A3 will have installed an integrated flight and navigation complex for the most difficult weather conditions - a "glass cockpit" with digital navigation equipment.
The helicopter will be available in two configurations. The first is for transportation of up to 24 passengers and cargo up to 5 tons. The second is for search and rescue operations and will be additionally equipped with specialized equipment, including medical. If required, the operator will be able to convert the cargo and passenger helicopter to a search and rescue helicopter independently.
The Mi-171A3 prototype was presented at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Show.
Under agreement terms, ''Russian Helicopters'' will provide Mi-171A3 prototype tests, organize mass production and certification. There will also be established service centers for aircraft maintenance, simulators and training centers tutoring flight and technical personnel. "Gazprom" intends to purchase Mi-171A3 helicopters, following the current needs, to place orders for repair and maintenance. They are scheduled to be used on the continental shelf fields.
"Russian Helicopters" Holding Company is one of the world leaders in the helicopter industry, the only Russian helicopter designer and manufacturer. Holding were established in 2007. Its headquarters are located in Moscow. The holding company includes five helicopter plants, two design bureaus, factories for components production, aircraft repair plants, and a service company providing after-sales support in Russia and abroad. The Russian Ministry of Defense, the Russian Interior Ministry, the Russian Emergency Ministry, other government agencies, ''Gazprom Avia'' and UTair airlines, large Russian and foreign companies are buyers of holding's products.
Rostec State Corporation is one of the largest industrial companies in Russia. It unites more than 800 scientific and production enterprises in 60 country regions. Key areas of holding's activities are aviation engineering, radio electronics, medical technologies, innovative materials, etc. The corporation's portfolio includes such well-known brands as AVTOVAZ, KAMAZ, UAC, Russian Helicopters, Uralvagonzavod, Shvabe, Concern Kalashnikov, etc. Rostec is actively involved in all 12 national projects implementation. The company is a key contributor to Smart City technologies, state administration digitalization, industry, social sectors, 5G wireless technology developing plans, the industrial Internet, big data, and blockchain systems. Rostec acts as a partner of the world's leading manufacturers, such as Boeing, Airbus, Daimler, Pirelli, Renault, etc. The corporation's products are shipped to more than 100 countries around the world. Almost one-third of the company's revenue is generated by high-tech products export.