Russia to deliver first Mi-171 helicopter to India in 2010

Russia will deliver the first of 80 Mi-171 transport helicopters to India under a recent contract in 2010, an official from Russia's state arms exporter said on Wednesday.

The Mi-171 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. Currently in production at two factories in the Russian Volga area city of Kazan and the East Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, it features more powerful turboshaft engines and can transport up to 37 passengers.

"We hope that the first helicopter will be delivered to India at the start of 2010," a deputy director of Rosoboronexport, Viktor Komardin, said.

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