Russian MoD to receive first Mi-38T rotorcraft by June

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to receive its first Mil Mi-38T utility helicopter by June, a spokesperson from Rostec’s Russian Helicopters told Jane’s .

“In accordance with the terms of the contract, the first Mi-38T helicopter will have been delivered to the MoD by 30 June,” the spokesperson said, adding that the armed forces are to receive two of the helicopters in 2019.

Another source from the Russian aerospace industry described the Mi-38T, noting that it has a 15,600 kg maximum take-off weight, and a 5,000 kg useful payload inside a 30 cubic-meter cargo cabin.

The Mi-38T is powered by two Klimov TV7-117V turboshaft engines with a take-off power output of 2,800hp each, producing a cruise speed of about 270 km/h, a top speed of 290 km/h, and a cruising range of about 1,000 km. The helicopter’s service ceiling reaches 20,670 ft, while its hover ceiling is 12,140 ft.

The cargo cabin of the Mi-38T can be fitted with 36 seats for troops or rails intended for transportation of light wheeled vehicles. “The maximum weight of a wheeled platform being transported by the Mi-38T should not exceed 3,500 kg,” said the source, adding that the rotorcraft had been fitted with an adapter for the transportation of a 5,000 kg cargo under sling. The cargo compartment also features a hydraulically driven back ramp and a right side-mounted sliding door.

The helicopter’s five-blade main rotor and the X-type four-blade anti-torque propeller are made of composites and fitted with a defrosting sub-system. “The blade angle of the anti-torque rotor can be adjusted in flight,” the source added.