The Russian Defense Ministry signed the first contract with the Russian Helicopters company for the supply of a pilot batch of Mi-38 helicopters to be delivered by the end of 2019, the Ministry said in a statement.
The Mi-38 can be used for carrying cargo and passengers, as well as for search-and-rescue operations and serve as a flying hospital.
“The Russian Defense Ministry and JSC Russian Helicopters signed a contract for the delivery of a pilot batch of two multipurpose helicopters Mi-38. In accordance with the contract, the Russian Defense Ministry will receive two Mi-38 helicopters by the end of 2019 which will operate in the Russian Aerospace Forces,” the statement read.
The company noted that the helicopters had been tested to lift up a 5-tonnes cargo on the external load, while the production is expected to be certified at a plant in the Russian city of Kazan.
The Russian Defense Ministry is planning to buy around 15 medium multipurpose Mi-38 helicopters, Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov said.
“We are, without doubt, interested in this machine. A purchase of around 15 Mi-38 helicopters is envisaged,” Borisov told reporters at the MAKS-2017 Exhibition.
The Mi-38 can be used for carrying cargo and passengers, as well as for search-and-rescue operations and serve as a flying hospital.
The MAKS-2017, one of the world’s largest aviation shows established 25 years ago, was held in Zhukovsky, 40 kilometers (25 miles) south-east of Moscow from 18 to 23 July.
