Mil Mi-38

Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant

Industry	Aerospace
Products	Helicopters (including Mil Mi-38 conceptual design)

Template:Infobox aircraft

The Mil Mi-38 is a transport helicopter conceptualized by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and currently under development by Kazan Helicopters. It was initially designed to succeed the Mil Mi-8 and Mi-17 models, with availability planned for both military and civilian markets. The helicopter's inaugural flight took place on 22 December 2003, and it received certification on 30 December 2015.

History

Development of the Mi-38 began at Kazan Helicopters in the early 1980s, with a full-scale model first revealed at the 1989 Paris Air Show. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazan Helicopters partnered with Eurocopter to tailor the Mi-38 for global markets. This collaboration led to the formation of Euromil JSC in September 1994, initiating funding shortly thereafter. Suppliers such as Sextant and Pratt & Whitney Canada contributed avionics and engine components respectively. Although initial plans targeted a maiden flight in 1999, the contract for completing the first prototype was only signed on 18 August that year. In 2001, rotor blade testing was conducted using a Mi-17 platform. The first demonstrator (PT-1) achieved its maiden flight over Kazan on 22 December 2003.

The second prototype (OP-2), equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127/TS engines, flew for the first time on 2 December 2010. This aircraft featured the IBKO-38 or IBKV-38 avionics suite developed by Transas Aviation, implementing a glass cockpit concept. That same month, OP-2 completed its initial long-distance flight from Kazan to Moscow, covering over 800 km (500 mi).

In March 2013, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale verified that Mi-38 prototypes had established five records within the E1h class. Among these achievements, OP-2 set an altitude record of 8,620 metres (28,280 ft) without payload. Additional records included climb rates to 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) in six minutes and 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) in just under eleven minutes. Payload altitude records were also recorded at 7,895 metres (25,902 ft) carrying 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and at 700 metres (2,300 ft) with a 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) load.

Flight testing of the third prototype (OP-3) began on 17 December 2013. It is powered by two Russian-made Klimov TV7-117V turboshaft engines producing approximately 2,800 shp (2,100 kW) each, exceeding the output of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127/TS engines rated at around 2,500 shp (1,900 kW).

The fourth prototype (OP-4) took to the air for its first flight on 16 October 2014. Like OP-3, it utilizes Klimov TV7-117V engines but incorporates enhancements such as an impact-resistant fuel system and larger windows.

File:Russian Air Force, RF-04529, Mil Mi-38T (49580881358).jpg

Mi-38T operated by Russian Aerospace Forces

On 30 December 2015, certification was granted by Rosaviatsiya, marking completion of testing and enabling production deliveries. Certification was based on data from the third and fourth prototypes powered by Klimov TV7-117V engines rated at 2,500 shp (1,900 kW).

A contract for delivery of the initial two serial production Mi-38 helicopters to the Russian Defence Ministry was signed in July 2017. Serial manufacturing commenced at Kazan Helicopters on 10 January 2018. The Defense Ministry aimed to acquire roughly fifteen units by 2020.

The military-specific variant, designated Mi-38T, completed its maiden flight on 23 November 2018. Developed to fulfill updated Russian Ministry of Defence requirements amid international sanctions, this version features entirely domestically sourced components including engines and avionics. According to Vadim Ligai, Deputy Managing Director at Kazan Helicopters, this model can transport up to forty passengers. The Russian Defence Ministry received its first two serial Mi-38 helicopters in December 2019.

In January 2020, Russian Helicopters announced orders from an undisclosed export client—reported by media to be located in the Middle East—for Mi-38Ts configured for transport and enhanced cabin comfort, with deliveries scheduled between 2021 and 2022. Subsequently, in August 2020, the Russian Defense Ministry placed an order for two additional Mi-38s featuring upgraded cabin comfort configurations. The Ministry of Emergency Situations followed with a procurement contract for nine units in August 2021.

In mid-2023, during the Second Russia-Africa Summit held in Saint Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented an Mi-38 helicopter as a gift to Zimbabwe’s government. This donation complements prior deliveries of Kazan Ansat helicopters to Zimbabwe Republic Police as well as support for a new air ambulance service within Zimbabwe.

In March 2024, commercial operator Kolyma Aviation took delivery of two Mi-38 helicopters intended for passenger services within Magadan Oblast. These aircraft were painted with distinctive orca-themed liveries.

Myanmar

In 2020, Myanmar's government finalized a contract with Rosboronexport for the procurement of Mi-38 helicopters. By November 2025, the Myanmar Air Force officially inducted three Mi-38T helicopters delivered from Russia, marking the country's status as the initial export military user of this helicopter model.

Variants

Mi-38-1

This is the Western variant of the Mi-38, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW127TS engines. During flight testing, it achieved altitudes exceeding 8,000 m (26,000 ft).

Mi-38-2

The Russian variant of the Mi-38, powered by Klimov TV7-117V engines.

Mi-38T

The military version developed for Russian use.

Military operators

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• Federal Protective Service
• Russian Air Force

Template:Country data Myanmar

• Myanmar Air Force – As of 2025, operates three Mi-38T helicopters. Among them, two are configured for troop transport while one serves VIP transport roles.

Civil operators

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• Kolyma Aviation – Operates two Mi-38-4 helicopters as of 2025. These aircraft are arranged for civilian passenger transport.

Template:ZIM

• Government of Zimbabwe

External links

• Official website
• Mi-38-2 Type Certificate, Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia), dated 30 December 2015