Russian Helicopters is set to renew the production of its amphibious Mi-14 helicopter.
Russian Helicopters said that the company is now planning to upgrade the amphibious helicopter with the latest technologies and re-start production.
Developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the helicopter was produced by Kazan Helicopters from 1973 until production of the aircraft was halted in 1986.
Based on the multirole Mi-8T helicopter, the Mi-14 features hermetically sealed boat bottoms, enabling it to land on water.
Russian Helicopters stated that the aircraft will be able to perform a range of search and rescue operations for the emergency services, as well as the navy.
Currently, these helicopters are in service with the Polish Naval Aviation, while it was previously commercially operated in Bulgaria, Cuba, East Germany, Ethiopia, Libya, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen, and Yugoslavia.
Featuring floats for stability, the Mi-14s also received enhanced capabilities to make it ready for marine use.
The basic version of the helicopter was the antisubmarine Mi-14PL. The firm later introduced the Mi-14BT and multirole search and rescue Mi-14PS into service.
In May, Russian Helicopters started series production on the heavy Mi-26T2 helicopter, a modernised version of the Mi-26T.
The Mi-26T2 aircraft features the latest avionics that enables it to operate during night-time and allows the operator to reduce the number of crew.
It can be used to conduct a range of construction and assembly work, and to deliver fuel in order to support the autonomous ground-based refuelling of a range of aircraft and other vehicles.
Image: The Mi-14 features hermetically sealed boat bottoms, enabling it to land on water. Photo: courtesy of Russian ?elicopters.
