Ansat Helicopter’s New Blades to increase Cruising Speed, Max Takeoff Weight Significantly

Installing new and aerodynamically developed blades on the Russian Ansat helicopter is expected to increase its cruising speed and maximum takeoff weight significantly.

In an official release today, Rostec State Corporation said the modernized Ansat’s flight speed in cruise mode will increase by 15 km/h to 235 km/h; while its maximum takeoff weight will increase by 200 kg and reach 3800 kg. The company added that in 2023, testing of anti-icing system components will continue.

Ansat is a light multi-purpose helicopter for carrying passengers, transporting cargo inside the cargo compartment or on an external sling, as well as solving other tasks. The upgraded version of the machine received larger fuel tanks, a new tail unit and advanced avionics equipment. The share of composites in the helicopter structure increased by 15% to 35%.

Modernized Ansat, Mi-171A3 and BAS-200 aircraft receives type certificates

Ansat developer Russian Helicopters received type certificates from the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) for the modernized Ansat, Mi-171A3 cargo version helicopter and BAS-200 helicopter-type drone.

“The BAS-200 drone, which became the first certified UAV in Russia, opens up new opportunities for using such equipment in the interests of the population, business, and the state. The received type certificates are an important, but not yet the final result for us. All three programs are under development, we are working on further increasing the operational capabilities of this equipment,” said Sergey Chemezov, Director General of Rostec State Corporation.

Mi-171A3 is the first domestic helicopter for transportation over the sea and maintenance of offshore drilling platforms remote from the coastline. The machine is capable of flying up to 1,000km with the main fuel tanks. With a maximum takeoff weight of 13 tons, it has the ability to carry cargo up to 4 tons.

The BAS-200 helicopter-type drone can be used to perform a variety of tasks: cargo delivery and terrain monitoring in the interests of geological exploration, forest protection, agriculture, search and rescue activities, and many other areas of activity. The drone is capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h and carrying a payload weighing up to 50kg.

Work continues to further increase the operational capabilities of the Mi-171A3 and the BAS-200 drone with the appropriate additions to the certification test program.