Introduction
Twin-engined utility helicopter made by Russia. This aircraft took its first flight on September 4, 1997 and was introduced in the services in 2002. Primary users of this helicopter are Russian Air Force and Indian Air Force.
One unit cost of this helicopter is Approx. 4.3 million USD and Approx. 75 units has been built as of now.
Development
This aircraft was originally announced for the Russian disaster relief ministry in 1990. Its production started in Zaporozhye, Ukraine. India has ordered 197 units of this helicopter in an agreement signed in December 2015 in a joint-venture between Russian Helicopters and Hindustan Aeronautics. They will built these helicopters in India.
The major operators of this helicopter are :
- Indian Army
- Indian Air Force
- Russian Air Force
- Federal Security Service
- Police of Russia
- Ukrainian Naval Aviation
- Argentine Air Force
