Russia to Conduct Maiden Flight of Mi-38T Military Chopper in May

Russian Helicopters’ new Mi-38T military helicopter will make its maiden flight later this month.

"The plan is to see the helicopter, which is being adapted to the Defense Ministry’s requirements, take off on its maiden flight in May," Kazan Helicopters spokesperson was quoted as saying by Sputnik Friday.

The new multirole helicopter will be delivered to the Russian defense ministry between October and December this year, Russian Helicopters said.

Russian Helicopters started production of Mi-38T for the Russian MoD in August last year. The Mi-38T helicopter is a military version of the Mi-38, and will be used for conducting joint flight tests for compliance with the requirements of the Armed Forces.

The Mi-38T differs from the basic certified Mi-38 helicopter on a number of parameters and the composition of the equipment. The assembled machine will be composed of aggregates and components manufactured exclusively in Russia. The helicopter will have fuel system with explosion protection, as well as additional fuel tanks to increase flight range, special communications equipment and equipment for the use of maritime rescue suits by the members of the crew.