Kazakhstan takes delivery of Russian Helicopters Mi-8AMT aircraft

Kazakhstan’s Almaty City Rescue Service has taken delivery of multirole Mi-8AMT helicopter from Oboronprom subsidiary Russian Helicopters.

Russian Helicopters Sales and Marketing deputy CEO Grigory Kozlov said: "The delivery of the Mi-8AMT to the Almaty City Rescue Service represents another important step in the continued development of Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation in the operation of Russian helicopter technology.

"Today about 200 helicopters built at our facilities are operated by private companies and state agencies in Kazakhstan.

"The civilian helicopter fleet here is growing rapidly, and we are committed to meeting in full our Kazakh partners’ requirements for the latest helicopters."

Built at Russian Helicopters’ Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant as part of a contract that ended in 2013, the Mi-8AMT helicopter has been equipped with additional tools that allow performing search and rescue missions in addition to ferrying cargo and passengers.

The aircraft’s LPG-150M winch and external sling, integrating hydraulic weighing system, play a vital role in executing search and rescue function.

With the capability to integrate additional fuel tanks, the helicopter also boosts its range to 1,065km, while seating up to 12 individuals.

The helicopter is also equipped with navigation and radio communications equipment, in a bid to enable safe operations in a wide range of diverse conditions.

Local government head Akhmetzhan Esimov said: "We hope that the Mi-8AMT will successfully carry out operations to prevent emergencies, emergency response operations, and to offer first aid to residents of and visitors to the capital.

"There are plans to further expand the Rescue Service’s helicopter fleet which will be used during events such as the Worldwide Youth Universiade in 2017, and in construction work on the Kok Zhaylau world-class ski resort."