Russian Helicopters Begins Production of First Mi-171A3 Prototype (15 Dec 2020) Russian Helicopters has started assembling the first prototype of the Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. The Mi-171A3 has a number of significant upgrades when compared to the Mi-171A2, including a new airframe that integrates a crash-resistant fuel system into the cargo bay floor, and modernized avionics, upgraded for offshore operations and flights in the Arctic. The model also features widespread use of composite materials, which significantly reduce its weight. “The development of Mi-171A3 involves extensive cooperation between Rostec's enterprises,” said Anatoly Serdyukov, Industrial Director of