ALMOST EVERY aircraft and helicopter in Russia undergoes modernisation in the course of its development, after which it traditionally receives the letter M in its designation. At a conference discussing helicopters in Tyumen last November, the chief of the design facility of Kazan Helicopters plant, Alexei Garipov, presented plans for the modernisation of the Ansat helicopter. Due to structural improvements, the empty weight of the Ansat-M will be reduced by 130lb (59kg) and useful load will be expanded by the same amount, The capacity of the fuel tanks under the cargo floor will be enlarged by 21%, adding 84 miles (135km) to the maximum range. One more fuel tank - with a capacity of 51 gal (192 lit) - can be installed inside the cargo hold (not only in the M version, but also in the standard Ansat); this will increase range by another 81-87 miles (130-140km). The Ansat-M's empennage will have its span stretched by 1ft 8in (0.5m) and altered vertical fins; this will improve directional stability. New avionics will allow instrument flight rules (IFR) flights and will also be lighter and use less energy. The de-icing system will expand the climatic conditions in which it can fly, The improved Ansat-M is expected to enter series production in 2022.
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