Russia delivering helicopters to Peru

ULAN-UDE, Russia, May 12 (UPI) -- Russian Helicopters is set to deliver the first three of six Mi-171Sh helicopters to the Ministry of Defense of Peru under a 2010 contract.

The helicopters were manufactured by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant under a FSUE Rosoboronexport agreement and will be flown to Peru aboard an Antonov An-124.

The multi-role helicopters feature new systems that raise their efficiency in combat, and also main systems and crew protection, radio-electronic and instrument equipment that allows flights in difficult weather, Russian Helicopters said.

The second batch of Mi-171Sh helicopters is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2011.

The 2010 contract also provides for the delivery of equipment and flight and engineering staff training for Peru's Defense Ministry, which intends to use the aircraft for a wide range of tasks, including counter-narcotics operations.

Deliveries of the Mi-171Sh manufactured by UUAP to customers from other countries started after a series of tests was completed in 2002. More than 120 Mi-171Sh aircraft have been delivered to countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.