MI-38 gets the engines, but still along way from flight according to Eurocopter

Published: 2/16/2000

The announcement that P&WC will provide engines to power the Mi-38 prototype, although known for some time, has still sparked some interest in Moscow, so allowing the struggling company to present an upbeat message, as it fights for its survival under its Temporary Manager, Leonid Zaplosky. Zaplosky has emerged victorious in a management battle and is under considerable criticism from certain quarters, who consider him ill-qualified to run the facility and to be an agent of those interested in closing the bankrupt factory down. The project, developed jointly through Euromil with Eurocopter, will take delivery of two engines and one backup for the development programme, which was agreed in August 1999. The designer of the programme, Vladimir Yabolokov, said that he expected the first flight to be in 2001, only one year behind the original timing of October 2000, although earlier reports expected the aircraft to be in production by 2001. Despite MVZ Mil"s enthusiasm, considerable funding problems still undermine the $400-500m programme. Government support is still lacking, although resources may become available, as aerospace commitments are reviewed. Eurocopter, as one of the risk sharing partners, sees its commitment as being that of developing and specifying the first stage of development on the hub of the aircraft, according to a company spokesman. It will then make a further commitment, when the technological issues of 15 tonne helicopter have been resolved. This does not suggest that funding for flights of the third airframe is imminent, but does indicate that the development work is proceeding, with reports of load bearing test taking place. Associated articles: www.concise.org 8th April 1999; 23rd August 1999

Article ID: 1424