Adapted to fly on LPG (220 words)

Published: 9/1/2000

Mil (MVZ) has announced that, in cooperation with OAO Interaviagaz and Klimov, they are continuing to test an Mi-8, designated Mi-8TG, which can run on both LPG and regular aviation fuel in a programme that will cost $3-4m to complete. The Mi-8TG made its maiden flight in 1987. The changes required on existing Mi-8s, according to Mil, for the use of liquefied gas do not require special equipment and can be done at an airline's maintenance base, the maintenance remaining practically unchanged. A feasibility study by MVZ has confirmed the viability of the programme by demonstrating the high levels of cost savings to those currently associated with operating the Mi-8. The company believes that if the 200 Mi-8s currently operating in Tyumen were to be powered by gas, the savings would be $200-250m of cost savings over the helicopter's lifetime. The use of the fuel will also reduce air travel cost particularly in Russia's north and also counter the chronic shortage of aviation fuel in those regions. The use of gas, from two large external tanks, reduces the helicopter's payload by 100-150kg over similar ranges, but is reported to have little effect on performance. In addition, by using LPG the emissions of harmful exhaust gases are half those of conventional fuel.

Article ID: 2049