MOSCOW, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia's upgraded light multi-purpose helicopter Mi-34M1 has successfully completed its first test flight, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Tuesday.
The prototype helicopter, powered by the domestically produced VK-650V engine, stayed in the air for about 10 minutes. The ministry said the flight was carried out smoothly and met all planned targets.
According to a statement posted on the ministry's website, the test marks the first stage in confirming the aircraft's readiness for further trials required for official certification and mass production.
The new helicopter is equipped with a crash-resistant fuel system and Russian-made onboard equipment. A major part of the upgrade is the installation of the new VR-34M main gearbox and the modern VK-650V engine produced by UEC-Klimov, a company under the state-owned Rostec corporation.
The Mi-34M1 features high maneuverability and is easy to pilot, maintain and operate. It is designed for passenger transport, monitoring tasks, flight training, aviation sports and private flights.
The VK-650V is the first Russian engine developed for light helicopters in the up-to-four-ton takeoff weight category. The engine delivers 650 horsepower at takeoff. Its main advantages include a modular design, long service life and a digital full-authority engine control system.
"This project clearly shows the ability of our industry to produce modern, high-quality aircraft using only domestic technologies and developments," said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Gennady Abramenkov. ■
