Russia to make Mi-171 helicopters for China

Moscow, Aug 21 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia will build Mi-171E multipurpose helicopters under a contract with China, an official said Tuesday.

Moscow and Beijing signed a contract in July on the delivery of 55 Mi-171E helicopters to China. The cost of one unit in its basic configuration is estimated at $10-12 million.

"One of the largest helicopter export contracts on the delivery of Mi-171E helicopters to China will be carried out by the Ulan Ude aircraft plant," the defence industry source said.

The Mi-171E is an advanced export version of the famed Mi-8 transport helicopter capable of transporting 37 passengers to a distance of 610 km at a speed of 250 km per hour. Its loading capacity is four tonnes.

The Mi-171E has been specifically designed for operations in the Middle East and Asian countries.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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