Article Posted on : - Sep 07, 2012

Mi-171E helicopter. Photo: Russian Helicopters.

GELENDZHIK (BNS): Russia has signed a contract for the delivery of 52 Mi-171 (Hip) transport helicopters to China.

The contract worth $600 million was signed between Russia's Rosoboronexport and Chinese company Poly Technologies, Inc., a Ria Novosti report.

The contracts follow on from agreements signed in 2009 by Russian Helicopters and Poly Technologies for delivery of 32 Mi-171Es to China.

The first eight Mi-171Es are scheduled for delivery in 2012, and the remaining is slated for 2013 and 2014, according to Russian Helicopters.

The Mi-171E, an export version of the Mi-8/17, is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-171E is produced at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, part of Russian Helicopters.

Mi-8/17 family helicopters have a long and successful record of use in China. It is equipped with search and rescue equipment and for special operations including at night-time.