Russia unveils NW.17: A leap in military helicopter design
The Russian design bureau Heliburo has unveiled the design for a new Russian military helicopter, the NW.17. This versatile machine, capable of performing both transport tasks and supporting soldiers on the battlefield, is expected to make its maiden flight in 2027. What do we know about it?
The Russians have completed the conceptual and preliminary design phases of the new NW.17 helicopter, which aims to fill the gap between light helicopters, such as the Ansat, and heavy transport helicopters like the Mi-26.
The new model is being developed at the Heliburo design bureau, with visuals first shown on the Fighterbomber profile on Telegram, run by a former Russian military pilot.
According to Army Recognition, in terms of overall concept, the NW.17 resembles Western multi-role helicopters, like the American Black Hawk and the European NH90, which are capable of both transport and battlefield support tasks. The visualization shows a helicopter armed with rocket launchers.
The new NW.17 helicopter
The transport capabilities of the NW.17 are enhanced by a rear-loading ramp, similar to that of the Mi-17 helicopter, and a partially retractable landing gear that improves the machine's aerodynamics. The helicopter is set to be equipped with a hybrid drive and a "combined" control system, though the specifics of these features are not yet clear.
Russia, having suffered significant losses in its helicopter fleet due to the war in Ukraine, is working to modernize its current machines. This includes upgrading them with new avionics, targeting systems, and weapons integration, as in the case of the Ka-52M and LMUR missiles. More substantial upgrades are also underway, such as improved engines, radar systems, or self-defense systems in the Mi-28NM helicopter.
Multi-role helicopters are also being improved. The Mi-26T2W variant features modernized avionics and defense systems, while the Mi-38T, delivered in limited numbers, is intended to replace the aging Mi-8/Mi-17 fleet.
The timeline for introducing the new helicopter
In this context, the effort to introduce a completely new, contemporary design into service seems fully justified. Although Heliburo targets a prototype flight as early as 2027, it could take over 20 years from project completion and flight testing to full deployment.
An example of this extended timeline is the Russian light Ansat helicopter, which was developed as a successor to the Mi-2. Although its maiden flight occurred in 1999, and it officially entered service in 2013, fewer than 90 units have been produced for all customers so far.
