MI 17

Mi-17 / Mi-8M
A Mi-17 from the Afghan Air Force takes off from Kabul International Airport
Role	Transport helicopter
National origin	Soviet Union
Design group	Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
Built by	Kazan Helicopter Plant
First flight	1975
Introduction	1977 (Mi-8MT), 1981 (Mi-17)
Status	In service
Primary users	Russia ca. 60 other countries
Produced	1977–present
Number built	about 12,000
Unit cost	Prices vary based on specifications (military and civilian prices differ)
Developed from	Mil Mi-8

The Mil Mi-17 (NATO reporting name "Hip") is a Russian helicopter in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. It is known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service. It is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter. There are also armed gunship versions.

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 fuselage improvements for heavier loads. Optional engines for "hot and high" conditions are the 1545 kW (2070 shp) Isotov TV3-117VM. Recent exports to China and Venezuela for use in high mountains have the new Klimov VK-2500 version of the Klimov TV3-117 engine with FADEC control.

The designation Mi-17 is for export; Russian armed forces call it Mi-8MT. The Mi-17 can be recognized because it has the tail rotor on the port side instead of the starboard side, and dust shields in front of the engine intakes. Engine cowls are shorter than on the TV2-powered Mi-8, not extending as far over the cockpit, and an opening for a bleed air valve outlet is present forward of the exhaust.

Actual model numbers vary by builder, engine type, and other options. As an example, the sixteen new Ulan-Ude-built machines delivered to the Czech Air Force in 2005 with –VM model engines were designated as Mi-171Sh, a development of the Mi-8AMTSh. Modifications include a new large door on the right side, improved Czech-built APU, Kevlar armor plates around the cockpit area and engines. Eight have a loading ramp in place of the usual clamshell doors and can load a vehicle up to the size of an SUV.