New multipurpose light helicopter (340 words)

Published: 8/24/2000

According to Gurgen Karapetyan, Deputy Executive Director of Mil (MVZ), the Moscow-based producer has developed a mock-up and technical documentation of a new multipurpose light (1200kg) helicopter known as the Mi-52 Snegir (bullfinch). MVZ has said that the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has shown interest in the programme as a potential replacement for Mi-8s for initial training. The MoD is reported to be keen to provide a replacement of the expensive-to-operate helicopters and the Mi-52, with a cruise speed of 160km/hr and static ceiling of 1,300m , is seen as offering a possible solution with direct costs $85 an hour compared with a reported $550 for the Mi-8, according to Karapetyan. The 240 hp VAZ-4265 rotary motorcar engine, weighing 300kg, will power the new helicopter (as in the Kazan Aktai) and is capable of running on A-93 and A-95 fuel. The engine will be mounted outside of the fuselage which, with the use of a two-stage noise suppressor, should provide for relatively low noise levels while offering, according to MVZ, a service endurance of six hours and a range of 200km with 320kg and 800kms with 177kg. The Mi-52 will be equipped with skids as standard, a change from the non retractable tricycle undercarriage originally proposed, but wheels and floats will be available with sliding doors to allow boarding with the rotors on. According to MVZ, the Mi-52 will have folding rotors (it is assumed that the use of the VAZ-4265 means the aircraft will have three rotors) and easily removed empennage to facilitate storage and transport of the helicopter. Mil announced the Mi-52 in 1993 as a three-seat light helicopter with a takeoff weight of 1150 kgs with a maximum payload of 250kg, but the initial flight failed to occur in 1998. Recent reports in the Russian media have suggested that the helicopter could also potentially be offered in twin-engined version with a maximum payload of 400kg, compared with 350kg for the one-engined version, and an endurance of four hours.

Article ID: 2023