The Mil Mi-17 is a Soviet / Russian helicopter at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude, in development. In Russian service it is known as the Mi-8 M series. It is a medium twin-turbine helicopter for transport. There are also models of armored gunships.

Development

Developed from the basic Mi-8 airframe, the Mi-17 was fitted with the larger Klimov TV3-117MT engines, rotors, and transmission developed for the Mi-14, along with advancements in fuselage for heavier load. Alternative engines for "hot and cold" conditions are the 1545 kW (2070 shp) Isotov TV3-117VM. The latest Klimov VK-2500 variant of the Klimov TV3-117 engine with FADEC power is recently exported to China and Venezuela for use in high mountains.The designationMi-17 is for export; it is designated Mi-8MT by the Russian armed forces. TheMi-17 can be identified as it has the tail rotor on the side of the port rather than the side of the starboard, and dust shields in front of the engine intake. Engine cowls are shorter than on the TV2-powered Mi-8, not reaching as far over the cockpit, and there is a gap in front of the exhaust for a bleed air valve escape.Licensed development of theMi-17 began in China in May 2008, with production being led by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant JSC and Sichuan Lantian Helicopter Company Limited in Chengdu Province, Sichuan. In 2008 the plant produced 20 helicopters using Russian kits supplied by Ulan-Ude; production is expected to eventually reach 80 helicopters per year. Lantian will develop the Mi-171, Mi-17V-5, and Mi-17V7 models

Operational history

During the 1996 dry season offensive of the Cambodian government, Mi-17s were used, five of which were converted to helicopter gunships armed with 57 mm rocket pods and provided air support to ground forces assaulting Pailin's Khmer Rouge stronghold. In May 1999, theMi-17 was used by the Indian Air Force at 129HU against Pakistani regular and Pakistan-backed insurgent forces during Operation Safed Sagar in the first air phase of the Kargil War. A shoulder-fired missile downed oneMi-17 and a fighter aircraft was lost in combat. This led to the removal of mounted helicopters and fleet assaults.The Mi-17 was extensively utilized by the LTTE in the Sri Lankan Air Force's war on terrorism. Seven of them had been lost in combat and airport attacks.