Ukraine unveiled on Tuesday two modernized powerful multifunctional helicopters Mi-8MSB and MI-2MSB, which are designed and built by the Kiev Civil Aviation Plant 410, according to Xinhua.
"These helicopters are designed primarily for emergency medical care, where they can be used as vehicles. The aircraft also can be deployed by the Defence Ministry and the bodies of other industries," Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said during the debut ceremony of the new helicopters.
The new aerial vehicles' lifespan is at least 15 years, Azarov said.
The Mi-8MSB helicopter with a fuel-efficient engine and a take-off weight of 6,000 to 10,000 kg soared to an altitude of 8,200 meters during a flight trial in September, setting a world record for its class. The upgraded vehicle can be used as a cargo aircraft.
The MI-2MSB helicopter that weights from 5 to 7 tons, capable of flying up to 2 hours without refueling can be used in different missions, in particular in emergency rescue operations or fight with forest fires.
Both helicopters have already passed tests and are fully operational.
