Mi-8MSB in icing trials

The Mil Mi-8MSB helicopter has entered the next phase of certification trials at the Crimea-based test center of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The current set of flight tests at Kirovskoe air base near Feodosia is aimed at expanding the aircraft’s operating envelope, including in natural icing conditions.

Test center director Yuri Tishkov says aircraft icing is typically observed at about +5°C, depending on air humidity. "Our aim is to conduct structural tests of the helicopter in icing conditions," he says.

Based on the results of the 2012 series of tests, the Mi-8MSB was cleared to operate in the temperature range between –30 and +50°C, and to climb to 8,200 m. The aircraft’s current MTOW stands at 12 tons. Its operating envelope is expected to be further expanded following the 2013 trials.

The Mi-8MSB is an upgraded version of the Mi-8T helicopter, modernized by Ukrainian engine house Motor Sich. The aircraft is powered by Motor Sich TV3-117VMA-SBM1V 4E series engines, which are more powerful and efficient than the Mi-8T’s standard TV2-117 powerplant. Tishkov says the new engine maintains constant rotor RPM irrespective of the atmpspheric pressure, altitude, and temperature.