Moscow, Sep 11: Russian Helicopters company will display its newest addition to the famed Mi-8/17 family of military transport helicopters at the ILA Berlin Air Show in Germany Sep 11-16."The Mi-171A2 is the long-awaited latest model in the Mi-8/17 family - one of the most popular helicopters in the world," Roman Kirillov, a spokesman for Russian Helicopters, said Monday.According to the official, the helicopter benefits from new engines and transmission, a new rotor system, a modernized integrated avionics suite, better technical and operational characteristics, a new operations and maintenance system.The new aircraft will also have significantly reduced running cost per hour, he said.The Mi-171A2 will be certified in Russia and abroad after a series of ground and flight tests by the end of 2012. The helicopter is expected to go in production by the end of 2014.The company is hoping that the Mi-171A2 will help Russia retain its global leadership (over 12,000 Mi-8/17 helicopters have been produced) in the medium helicopter class.The ILA Berlin Air Show is one of the world's largest and oldest aerospace trade shows, which takes place every two years.This year, over 1,200 aerospace companies from 36 countries will showcase their products at the exhibition.
