One of the two Mi-171A2 medium-heavy multirole helicopters of the Bangladesh Police was spotted in Russia undergoing final flight tests before delivery.
The rotary wing aircraft with serial S3-CPA is the first in a batch of helicopters purchased from Russia under an agreement signed in November 2021 to expand the capabilities of the Bangladesh Police’s Aviation Wing.
JSC Russian helicopters was supposed to deliver both helicopters by the first quarter of 2023, however it has been delayed due to the global pandemic and Russia’s engagement in Ukraine.
The helicopters were purchased for BDT 1.91 billion.
The Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force and Border Guard Bangladesh also operate their own fleet of Mi-171 helicopters in numerous variants, making the Mi-171 series the most widely used helicopters in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Police also operates two additional Bell 407 helicopters purchased through Singapore based Bell Helicopter Asia on June 23rd 2011. The deal, valued at BDT 57 crore (US$7.37M) includes the training of eight personnel by Bell in Singapore.
About the Mi-171A2 medium-heavy multirole helicopter
The Mi-171A2 helicopter embodies best features widely renowned in the Mi-8/17 series. It is equipped with VK-2500PS-03 engines having a digital control system. As the engines are more powerful and the flight navigation equipment and communication systems have been significantly upgraded, the model has extended its application. Now the Mi-171A2 boasts an even more extensive operational range with novel opportunities in mountains and hot climate.
Thanks to its efficient X-shaped steering rotor and new lifting rotor with composite blades and an improved aerodynamic profile, both the model’s cruising speed and maximum speed grew by 10% and lifting capacity by 25%, as compared to the current Mi 8/17 series. The Mi-171A2 can carry up to 4,000 kg in the cargo cabin or up to 5,000 kg as external load.