Mil Mi-17 Hip-H

Summary

Category	Helicopter
Origin country	🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
First flight	1 January 1975
Year of introduction	1977
Number produced	12000 units

Description

The Mi-17 Hip is a Russian medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, originally developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. It is an export variant of the Mi-8 helicopter, which was designed by Mikhail Mil in the 1960s. The Mi-17 was introduced to the market in 1975 as a modernized version intended for foreign customers. The primary distinctions between the Mi-17 and the original Mi-8 are in the powerplant and avionics, designed to offer better performance and versatility. The Mi-17 has been widely exported and is in service in over 100 countries for various roles, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations.

The Mi-17 Hip is designed as a medium-lift, twin-turbine transport helicopter. It features a classic single-rotor system with a five-blade main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor. The helicopter is powered typically by two TV3-117MT turboshaft engines, although variations in powerplants can be found depending on the variant. The engines are mounted on top of the fuselage near the main rotor, contributing to the helicopter's distinctive profile.

The airframe of the Mi-17 is rugged and utilitarian, built to withstand challenging conditions, including hot-and-high operational environments. The fuselage has a clamshell rear door and hinged side doors to facilitate quick loading and unloading of cargo or troops. Some versions also come equipped with a loading ramp instead of clamshell doors for even easier cargo handling.

In terms of avionics, the Mi-17 generally sports a mix of analog and digital systems, often customized based on the needs of the purchaser. The cockpit is designed for a two-pilot crew but can be flown by a single pilot in an emergency. For troop transport roles, the cabin can accommodate up to 36 soldiers, and for medevac missions, the space can be configured to carry 12 stretchers.

Armament

The Mi-17's weapon capabilities are adaptable, tailored to specific needs ranging from basic self-defense to more complex armed roles. Standard configurations often include door-mounted machine guns like the PKM for self-defense and close air support. The helicopter can also be fitted with rocket pods for unguided rockets and automatic grenade launchers for anti-infantry roles. Less commonly, some are equipped with anti-tank guided missiles and specialized targeting systems. Defensive features may include flare and chaff dispensers as well as electronic countermeasures.

Operational history

The Mi-17 has had a long and varied operational history since its introduction in 1975, serving in over 100 countries. It has been deployed in various types of missions including humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and military operations.

In the military domain, the Mi-17 has been involved in numerous conflicts, from the Afghan-Soviet War to the various regional conflicts in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It has been a workhorse in troop transport, medevac, and logistics supply roles. Armed variants have also been used for close air support and anti-armor missions. For example, during the Afghan-Soviet War, the Mi-17 was used extensively for transporting troops and supplies while also providing fire support.

Variants

Mi-17: This is the baseline export variant, designed primarily for transport roles. It typically comes with two TV3-117MT turboshaft engines and basic avionics.
Mi-17-1V: This version is an upgrade over the basic Mi-17, with improved engines and avionics. It often features a weather radar and is suited for all-weather, day-and-night operations.
Mi-17V-7: This is one of the most advanced variants, featuring more powerful VK-2500 engines. It can also be equipped for combat roles with an array of weapons and has advanced defensive systems.
Mi-171Sh: This is an armed assault variant, designed for use in combat operations. It's equipped with rocket pods, machine guns, and often features armor protection for the crew.
Mi-17AE: This is a medical evacuation version, equipped with medical facilities such as stretchers, life-support systems, and other necessary medical equipment.

Technical specifications

Version: Mi-17-1V
Crew	3 members
Maximum speed	250 km/h (155 mph)
Height	4.8 m (15.6 ft)
Length	18.5 m (60.6 ft)
Service ceiling	6000 m (19685 ft)
Empty weight	7489 kg (16510 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	13000 kg (28660 lbs)
Climb rate	8.0 m/s (26.2 ft/s)
Powerplant	2 × turbines Klimov TV3-117VM delivering 1491 kW, up to 1641 kW with afterburner

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	China	258
	India	222 (+48)
	Bangladesh	40 (+1)
	Venezuela	28
	Iran	22
	Czech Republic	19
	Colombia	18
🇱🇦	Laos	17
	Mexico	15
	Slovakia	13
	Rwanda	12
	Uganda	10
	Indonesia	9
	Peru	8 (+8)
	Ecuador	8
🇸🇸	South Sudan	8
	Nigeria	6 (+6)
	Eritrea	6
	Ghana	6
	Pakistan	6
	Cameroon	5
	Myanmar	5
	Zambia	5
	Nepal	4 (+2)
	Bulgaria	3
	Niger	3
	Guinea	2
	Kenya	2
	Senegal	2
	Sierra Leone	1
	United States	1
	Zimbabwe	1