Russia Tests “Smart” Navigation System for Its First Fully Digital Helicopter
The system can determine an aircraft’s position and heading even when satellite signals are unavailable.
A navigation system developed by researchers at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology has been successfully tested on Russia’s first offshore, fully digital helicopter, the Mi-171A3. The system is able to independently determine the aircraft’s position and course in challenging environments where satellite signals are unavailable – a capability that is critical for flights over the sea.
“Digital Sky” for a Unique Helicopter
The tests were conducted in late 2025. The Mi-171A3 is the first Russian helicopter designed specifically for offshore operations and servicing remote shelf platforms. The innovative NSI-2000MTG navigation system became a key element of its onboard equipment. The system was developed by the university’s Institute of Digital Sky, specifically its Laboratory of Laser Navigation Systems led by Professor Alexey Fomichyov, in cooperation with JSC Lazeks.
During the trials, researchers for the first time validated proprietary long-wavelength inertial navigation algorithms with Doppler correction developed at the institute. This technology significantly improves the accuracy of autonomous navigation when satellite signals (GPS/GLONASS) are disrupted or completely unavailable. Over open sea, there are no alternative visual reference points, and reliable satellite connectivity cannot be guaranteed, making such a navigation system essential.
The Helicopter “Feels” Its Movement
The goal for the researchers was to create a system that does more than simply duplicate satellite data – one that can independently determine the aircraft’s position and heading in the most demanding conditions.
The Mi-171A3 is Russia’s first fully digital helicopter. Its entire design was created and simulated in a digital environment, which made integration of the university’s navigation system straightforward.
The development strengthens the competitive position of Russia’s helicopter industry on the international market, where reliability in the event of lost communications is a top priority.
The Institute of Digital Sky was launched at the university in spring 2025. It brings together expertise in space technologies, unmanned systems, and telecommunications, with the goal of creating a unified technological framework for air and space operations.
