Baku, Azerbaijan, May 22
By Elena Kosolapova - Trend:
Russian Helicopters has delivered two Mi-171Sh helicopters to the Kazakhstan Border Service under a contract signed by Rosoboronexport in 2012, the company reported on May 22.
One of the helicopters' main tasks will be securing Kazakhstan's state border. They will be used for routine patrols (including at night), and to land special forces troops to detain illegal border-crossers, and to return the troops to base.
Moreover Russian Helicopters and Kazakhstan Emergencies Ministry signed an agreement for a Mi-171E helicopter, with delivery planned for 2015.
Mi-171 helicopters are produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, which is a part of Russian Helicopters company, can be kitted out to aid work in mountain conditions.
The Mi-171E can operate at air temperatures ranging from minus 50 to plus 50°C, and in adverse weather conditions. It can carry up to 26 people in passenger seats or up to 12 on stretchers accompanied by medical staff. The cargo version of the helicopter can carry up to 4 tons inside the cabin or on an external sling.
Mi-171Sh can be fitted with cannons and small arms, unguided missiles, and on-board defense systems. It also comes with troop-landing equipment, giving it the capacity to land up to four groups simultaneously. The helicopter can carry up to 36 airborne troops or as many as 12 on stretchers, or cargo of up to 4 tons inside the cabin or on an external sling. The helicopter is ideally suited to search-and-rescue operations.
Kazakhstan has been successfully operating new Mi-8/17 class helicopters for many years.
Edited by C.N.
