India Receives More Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters reports it has delivered to India another batch of Mi-17B-5 aircraft, the export version of the Mi-8.

The number of helicopters in the consignment and the number of helicopters delivered previously weren't disclosed but the aircraft were part of a 2008 contract for 80 helicopters.

The medium-weight, multi-role helicopters were built by Kazan Helicopter Plant, a Russian Helicopters company, to Indian military requirements.

The aircraft are equipped with the latest navigational and on-board systems and can fly a wide range of missions "in conditions ranging from tropical and maritime climates to high altitude and desert environments," said Russian Helicopters, a division of Oboronprom, the state-owned holding company.

The aircraft also feature VK-2500 engines, with an electronic control system and enhanced power performance, and a new navigation system that shows all of the piloting and navigation information on four multifunctional display screens.