A new multirole helicopter program has been launched in Russia to replace the long-serving Mi-8/17 fleet, according to national media sources. The rotorcraft, designated Mi-80, is based on the Mi-171A3 and features updated components such as new rotor blades, reinforced structural design, and advanced engines tailored for modern airspace environments.
Production will be led by Kazan Helicopter Plant and Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, aiming for reduced assembly costs. With a maximum takeoff weight of 14 tons, the Mi-80 will incorporate composite materials, impact-protected fuel tanks, and a redesigned rotor layout for better efficiency and operational safety.
The project remains in its early planning stages as financial planning continues. Once fully funded, development is expected to span five years. Russia’s current Mi-8/17 fleet exceeds 1,500 across military and state operations, with an estimated 3,000 units active globally.
