Russian Helicopters has begun flight testing of a prototype of the Mi-34M1, powered by a Russian built VK-650V.

The Mi-34M1 was piloted by Sergei Barkov, a test pilot at the Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Center of the Russian Helicopters holding company.

"This is another major milestone for the domestic aircraft industry, proving that Russia is capable of building a wide variety of aircraft. The Mi-34M1 is highly maneuverable and easy to pilot and maintain. The helicopter features a gas turbine power plant and modern domestically produced onboard systems. The Mi-34M1 is designed for passenger transportation, flight training and aviation sports," said Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec State Corporation.

The VK-650V engine was developed and manufactured by UEC-Klimov and is the first domestically produced engine for light helicopters with a takeoff weight of up to 4 tons. It delivers 650 horsepower at takeoff and its fuel consumption at takeoff is 245 g/hp/h. The VK-650V's has a modular design and a full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system.

During the maiden flight the powerplant performed normally, demonstrating reliable operation with all helicopter systems. Stability and controllability of the Mi-34M1 were tested with loads in horizontal flight mode and bank and turns, the VK-650V is already certified and ready for serial production.

"The start of flight tests of the updated Mi-34M1 with the VK-650V engine is a significant milestone for the Russian aircraft industry. This project clearly demonstrates our industry's ability to produce modern, high quality aircraft exclusively using our own technologies and developments" Gennady Abramenkov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation said.

"Russia now has its own competitive, light, single-engine helicopter. It will fill a niche previously occupied only by foreign helicopter models, which have become very expensive to operate and often unsafe due to unauthorized maintenance. The Mi-34M1 is designed not only to complement the lineup of domestically produced rotorcraft, but, without exaggeration, to strengthen Russia's technological independence and elevate our industry to a new level. Certification testing and serial production of the Mi-34M1 are now underway, and operators will undoubtedly appreciate it," commented Nikolay Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters.