Utility Helicopter
Mil Mi-38
The Mil Mi-38 is a Russian medium-lift multirole helicopter made by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant of Russian Helicopters in Russia. It first flew in 2003, was certified in 2015 and entered serial delivery in December 2019 as a successor to the Mi-8 and Mi-17.
Russia|Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant (Russian Helicopters)What Is the Mil Mi-38? Overview, History and Development
The first Mi-38 prototype flew on 22 December 2003, and the programme was long, with early prototypes using Western engines. The type was certified in Russia on 30 December 2015 and the first serial deliveries began in December 2019. Two Klimov TV7-117V engines of about 2,800 hp each drive a five-blade rotor of about 21.1 m. Top speed is about 300 km/h, cruise about 250 km/h, ceiling about 6,300 m and range about 880 km.
The helicopter carries up to 30 passengers or about 6,000 kg inside, with a 7,000 kg sling load and a crew of 2. Production is low, with about 16 built, 4 prototypes and 12 serial, though numbers may have grown since. Operators include Russian state users, civil operators and, as reported, Myanmar. Export hopes have been hit by sanctions on components. Rivals include the Airbus H175, AW189 and Mi-171.
Mil Mi-38 Specifications: Speed, Range, Payload and Armament
Mil Mi-38 Variants and Versions Compared
The Mi-38 is the baseline multirole transport helicopter carrying up to 30 passengers.
The Mi-38T is the transport version for military and cargo use.
The Mi-38PS is a version for the Emergencies Ministry and civil operators.
Which Countries Use the Mil Mi-38? Operators and Users
Russia
Myanmar (Burma)Mil Mi-38 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How fast is the Mi-38?
The Mil Mi-38 has a maximum speed of about 300 km/h and a cruise speed of about 250 km/h. Its range is about 880 km and its ceiling about 6,300 m.
How many Mi-38 helicopters are there?
About 16 Mil Mi-38 helicopters have been built, 4 prototypes and 12 serial aircraft, according to one source. The number may have grown since.
Mi-38 vs Mi-8: what is the difference?
The Mil Mi-38 is larger than the Mi-8 and has a glass cockpit. It carries up to 30 passengers or about 6,000 kg and is meant as the Mi-8 and Mi-17 successor.
Which countries use the Mi-38?
The Mil Mi-38 is used by Russian state users, civil operators and, as reported, the Myanmar Air Force. No confirmed Arab deal exists, and Türkiye builds its own lighter T625 Gökbey.
When was the Mi-38 certified?
The Mil Mi-38 was certified in Russia on 30 December 2015. Its first serial deliveries began in December 2019, after a first flight on 22 December 2003.
Why are Mi-38 exports limited?
Mil Mi-38 export hopes have been hit by sanctions on components, and production is low. Early prototypes used Western engines, which made supply an issue.