Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The new Mi-38-2 helicopter flew for the first time in public on the opening day of the MAKS airshow in Moscow late last month. The new model, developed by Russian Helicopters subsidiary Mil and built by its Kazan factory, is powered by&nbsp;2,500-shp Klimov TV7-117V turboshafts. These&nbsp;Russian-made&nbsp;engines have replaced the original Mi-38’s Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PW127H turboshafts in response to a Russian government directive for the country’s manufacturers to be less reliant on Western&nbsp;equipment. 

 


The new model, which first flew in October last year, also features larger cabin windows. With a maximum takeoff weight of 34,391 pounds and seating capacity for 32 passengers, the Mi-38 is somewhat larger than Mil’s existing Mi-17, giving operators a more flexible option beneath the larger Mi-26. The manufacturer is marketing the aircraft for Russian government applications in remote regions and for both passenger and cargo roles in the private sector. 

 


According to Russian Helicopters deputy general manager Roman Chernyshev, the Mi-38 is expected to compete Russian type certification by year-end. The company expects to start deliveries to commercial operators early next year but has yet to name any&nbsp;customers. 

 


“We are planning to commence deliveries of a VIP-configured Mi-38 starting around 2017-18,” said Chernyshev. “It will be a more expensive helicopter than the [VIP-configured] Mi-17, but will offer more comfort for passengers. Besides, it will be less expensive to operate than Western rivals because of lower direct operating expenses, and the cost and availability of spares and maintenance.” 

 


The Mi-38-2 will have a high-speed cruise of around 162 knots, allowing for more cost-efficient operations, especially in supporting offshore oil and gas platforms. It also features the IBKO-38 glass-cockpit avionics suite from Transas. 

 


At the MAKS show, Russian Helicopters also exhibited a newly certified version of the Ka-226T twin that is configured for emergency medical roles. The aircraft is powered by a pair of Turbomeca Arrius 2G engines. It had been hoped certification would be achieved in time for the new model to enter service with the Russian government Emercom emergency response agency during the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, but this proved not to be possible.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Russian Helicopters Showcases New Mi-38-2 Twin

The Mi-38-2 features Russian Klimov engines and will soon be offered with a VIP interior.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

AmyWilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

More In Rotorcraft

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN