In 2017 the Russian Helicopters has secured validation for the Mil Mi-171A2, the latest variant of its long-running, medium-twin helicopter line. 16 significant changes over the previous Mi-171A model have been approved, including an increase to maximum take-off weight, which rises to 13t for Cat A operations. Upgrades over earlier Mi-8/-17 variants include uprated, full authority digital engine control-equipped Klimov VK-2500PS-03 turboshafts, a reinforced transmission, a digital navigation system and a health and usage monitoring system. In addition, it gains a new, more aerodynamic composite main rotor – increasing rotor thrust by 700kg – and an X-shaped tail rotor, replacing the previous three-bladed design. The helicopter received a new combined flight recorder as well. The Aviaavtomatica JSC supplied the helicopter with a TSO-C124A certified compact flight data acquisition and recording system MBR-GA-01. It is configured to obtain more than a thousand of parameters from the helicopter’s digital bus and sensors within a 2048 wps dataframe structure. The FSIT was the first to provide the data processing and FDA support for this type of the helicopter and recorder in a cooperation with the Russian Helicopters Co. The UTair (the FSIT customer) became the first operator to receive the brand-new rotorcraft.