Alright folks, BPQ#3 came off easier than I expected for quite a few folks, so I’ve decided to launch BPQ#4 a bit early and may end up running it a bit longer than a week depending on the level of difficulty it generates.
First: Yes, I know its a helicopter, but I don’t split hairs between the fixed and rotary winged stuff.
Second: All serious guesses by PM only
Have fun, but don’t hurt yourselves…
I’m looking for the manufacturer and type designation.
O.K. this one proved quite challenging and a few got it right:
the Mil MI-171s Hip
This particular one is Czech and was taken into service about a year or so ago to supplement the aging Mi-17 fleet.
The most obvious external changes are the movement of the oil cooler from the right side sponson to a spot nearer the engine just aft of the cockpit and the replacement of the old clamshell rear cargo doors with a lowering ramp style arrangement.
Internally, the avionics suite is much modernized. gone is the turquoise green flight deck and Cyrilic instruments and placards; the 171s flight deck looks very non Soviet in almost every respect. Unfortunately I haven’t gotten a picture of it yet.
