The Ansat is a light utility helicopter, manufactured in Russia by Kazan Helicopters. The Kazan helicopter plant is one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in the world. It is also producing Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters. Previously this plant was producing other helicopters, developed by Mil design bureau, such as Mi-1 and Mi-4. In total it produced over 12 000 helicopters. These are in service with Russia and have been exported to about 100 countries all around the world.

   In the early 1990s after collapse of the Soviet Union a need for a light utility helicopter emerged in Russia. A replacement for the Mi-2 was needed. The standard Mi-8 was too large. Often it was flying only partially loaded. A smaller and more efficient helicopter was required. In 1993 Kazan Helicopters organized its own design bureau in order to develop a new helicopter. First prototype was completed in 1998. The Ansat made its first flight in 1999. The prototype was powered by Canadian Pratt & Whitney PW206 engines. Another prototype with longer and slimmer fuselage and PW207 engines made its first flight in 2001.

   The Ansat has a classic utility helicopter layout. It is operated by one or two pilots. Once it is flown by one pilot, it can carry 8 passengers. One of the passengers is seated next to the pilot. If the helicopter is operated by two pilots, it can carry 7 passengers. This helicopter can carry up to 1 234 kg of payload inside the cabin. The Ansat can carry external loads with a maximum weight of 1 300 kg. This multi-purpose machine can be tailored to suit many roles.

   This helicopter is powered by two Canadian Pratt & Whitney PW207K engines, developing 630 shp each. It was planned that at some point Canadian engines will be replaced by Ukrainian engines on military variants of the Ansat. This helicopter has a four-bladed main rotor and two-bladed tail rotor.

   Estimated price of this helicopter is about $2-2.5 million. It is available both for military and civil operators. However there are some differences between military and civil versions.

Variants

   Ansat-U military trainer with dual controls. It accommodates only pilot, instructor and technician. In 2001 it was selected by the Russian Air Force for flight training schools. First helicopters were delivered in 2010. By 2014 a total of 25 Ansat-U helicopters were delivered. More helicopters are planned to be acquired;

   Ansat-UT a proposed version with Ukrainian engines;

   Ansat-M air ambulance. It can carry two stretchers;

   Ansat-UM medical evacuation helicopter. It can carry four stretchers;

   Ansat 2RC armed reconnaissance helicopter. It is based around the components of the Ansat, but has a gunship layout. It is flown by a crew of two. It is armed with a 12.7-mm machine gun and has stub wings with 4 hardpoints for missiles and unguided rockets.