The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) has received the first Mi-38PS helicopter, a model specifically developed for search and rescue missions in extreme environments, including the Arctic zone and the strategic Northern Sea Route.
According to an official statement from the ministry, the Russian Helicopters holding company completed the initial delivery of four Mi-38PS aircraft, produced at the Kazan Helicopter Plant. This marks the first batch under a state contract that provides for a total of five units of the model.
The first helicopter was assigned to the Khabarovsk Aero-Rescue Center (AERC), becoming the first Mi-38PS aircraft incorporated into the ministry’s operational fleet.
Expanded Capability for Missions in Extreme Conditions
The Mi-38PS features significant improvements in technical and operational performance, designed to operate in Russia’s most challenging climatic and geographic conditions.
Among its main specifications:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 16.5 tons
- Internal payload capacity: up to 4.5 tons
- External sling load: up to 5 tons
- Passenger capacity: up to 40 people
- Maximum speed: 300 km/h
- Flight range: up to 1,500 km
- Operating temperature range: from -52°C to +52°C
To extend endurance, the model is equipped with two additional fuel tanks.
Firefighting and Oil Spill Response
Beyond traditional search and rescue missions, the Mi-38PS will play a strategic role in firefighting and in mitigating environmental disasters, especially accidental oil product spills.
For the first time in this helicopter class, an integrated water discharge system and an aerial spraying system have been installed. The equipment enables the application of chemical dispersants and biological agents directly over contaminated areas, increasing the effectiveness of containment operations in remote regions.
Delivery Plan Through 2025
Under the state contract, EMERCOM received a total of five helicopters in 2025: four Mi-38PS units and one Mi-8MTV-1.
For this year, the additional delivery of six aircraft is planned — five Mi-38PS and one Mi-8MTV-1.
The new units will be distributed between the aero-rescue complexes in Krasnoyarsk and Khabarovsk, strengthening the ministry’s rapid response capability in strategic areas of northern and far eastern Russia.
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Source and images: Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations | Telegram @mchs_official @rostecru. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
