Amphibious Helicopter Demonstrated At St. Petersburg, Russia Maritime Defense Show

During the 7th International Maritime Defence Show (IMDS 2015), which was being held in St. Petersburg from July 1 to 5, Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) announced potential plans for the renewed production of the unique amphibious Mi-14 helicopter. The multirole helicopter can land and taxi on water, and also take off from water.

Mi-14 helicopters were developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and produced by Kazan Helicopters from 1973 to 1986. Both enterprises are a part of Russian Helicopters. According to a new release, the company is ready to upgrade the amphibious helicopter with the latest technologies and re-start production. Russian Helicopters says this aircraft can significantly expand the range of search and rescue operations for the emergency services, and can also be operated by the Navy.

The Mi-14 was in service with the Navy and also operated commercially in Bulgaria, Cuba, East Germany, Ethiopia, Libya, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen, and Yugoslavia. Currently these helicopters are in service with the Polish Naval Aviation.

The basic version of the helicopter was the antisubmarine Mi-14PL, and from 1979 the towing minesweeper Mi-14BT and multirole search and rescue Mi-14PS were introduced into service. Amphibious Mi-14 helicopters are designed on the basis of the multirole Mi-8T helicopter. The main design distinction is that they boast hermetically sealed boat bottoms, instead of traditional helicopter undercarriages, enabling them to land on water. The sides are fitted with floats for stability, which also support the retractable landing gear. The Mi-14s other systems were also adapted for marine use, and numerous technical solutions developed for it later found application in Mi-8/17 helicopters, such as the Mi-8MT and its export variant Mi-17.

(Images provided by Russian Helicopters)

FMI: http://www.russianhelicopters.aero