Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, has delivered a Mi-171A1 helicopter built by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant to Brazilian operator Atlas Taxi Aereo.

The delivery marks a continuation of the successful development of partnership relations between Russian Helicopters and the Brazilian helicopter operator. Atlas Taxi Aereo highly rates the unique operating potential of the previously delivered Mi-171A1, and is building up its fleet with Russian-made helicopters.

The Mi-171A1 received certification from Brazil’s Aircraft Register in 2005. In the same year the first Mi-171A1 was delivered to Brazil, with another two following in 2011. Used in harsh weather conditions to support the drilling work carried out by oil company Petrobras in Brazil’s rainforests, the Mi-171A1 helicopters stand out from their counterparts due to their highly reliable operating efficiency. For example, during a year of intense operations one helicopter flew over 1,000 hours (on average 120 hours a month), carrying approximately 600 tonnes of cargo, primarily drilling equipment, on an external sling. 

Atlas Taxi Aereo appreciates the advantages of the Mi-171A1, including excellent flight performance, reliability and easy maintenance, and also the profitable price-quality ratio, and plans to add to its fleet in future.

Following an order from the Brazilian operator for the new Mi-171A1, the T-HUMS system, an onboard health and monitoring system, was installed for the first time. The system automatically monitors a wide range of units and components in real time and increases flight safety significantly. 

This system also allows maintenance to be performed as and when necessary, reducing operators’ financial costs significantly and increasing the efficiency of Atlas Taxi Aereo’s helicopter business – including for oil giant Petrobras. The client’s focus on flight safety is attributable to the use of the helicopter in parts of the country that are virtually inaccessible. There are also plans to install the T-HUMS systems on a couple of previously delivered Mi-171A1s. 

Atlas Taxi Aereo is a reliable regional partner of Russian Helicopters. In addition to deliveries of Mi-171A1s, the Brazilian company was Russian Helicopters’ first client for the company’s latest model, the Ka-62. A contract for seven helicopters was signed during the visit by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to Russia in December 2012. 

In addition to the Mi-171A1, another Russian helicopter is operational in Brazil – the Ka-32A11BC, which was delivered to Helipark Taxi Aereo in March 2012. These deliveries open up new opportunities for Russian Helicopters on Brazil’s commercial helicopter market, and across South America, where demand for new medium-range multirole helicopters is increasing. This has become one of the key regions for Russian Helicopters for doing business, and Russian Helicopters is ready to meet the growing requirements of the Latin American market for state-of-the-art helicopters. 

The Mi-171A1 helicopter is part of the legendary Mi-8/17 series. It can transport up to 26 passengers and 4,000 kg of cargo. It has been developed from the Mi-171 helicopter in accordance with AP-29 aviation rules and the requirements of Brazil’s aviation regulators. The Mi-171A1 is manufactured by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, a Russian Helicopters company.