Russia Begins Flight Tests of Mi-34M1 Helicopter with New Engine

Russia has begun flight tests of the modernized Mi-34M1 light multipurpose helicopter, as evidenced by the video footage released from the test airfield.

This is an updated version of the Mi-34 project, which first flew in 1986 as a light civil-military helicopter, according to the Vertical Team Telegram channel.

The basic Mi-34 was created as a Soviet alternative to the Western Robinson R44, but only about 30 were mass-produced.

The key difference between the Mi-34M1 version is the new Russian-designed VK-650V turbofan engine.

The VK-650V engine is designed for helicopters with a takeoff weight of up to 4 tons and has a power output of 650 horsepower in takeoff mode.

Its characteristics are similar to the Ukrainian AI-450V, which is used in a number of modern light helicopters and UAV platforms.

The installation of the VK-650V allows Russia to formally remove the Mi-34 from dependence on Western or Ukrainian powerplants.

At the same time, the Mi-34 platform itself remains technically outdated, with limited internal volume, range, and payload.

Under current conditions, the Mi-34M1 can be seen as a cheap training and communications or patrol platform, rather than a full-fledged multi-role helicopter.

The actual return to the design of the 1980s indicates a shortage of modern light helicopters and Russia’s problems with the deployment of new types of machines.

Thus, the Mi-34M1 is more of a test carrier for the new VK-650V engine than a real attempt to create a competitive production helicopter.

As a reminder, Militarnyi recently analyzed how many Mi-8s the Russians produce for the army.