Mi-17 Hip-H
Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions.
| Crew | 3 members |
| Length | 18.5 m (60.6 ft) |
| Wingspan | 21.3 m (69.7 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (15.6 ft) |
| Empty weight | 7,489 kg (16,510 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13,000 kg (28,660 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turboshafts Klimov TV3-117VM 1,491 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| Operational range | 800 km (497 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 6,000 m (19,685 ft) |
| Climb rate | 8.0 m/s (26.2 ft/s) |
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China
258
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India
222
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Bangladesh
40
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Iran
30
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Venezuela
28
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Czechia
20
-
Colombia
17
- 🇱🇦 Laos 17
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Mexico
15
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Turkmenistan
15
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Rwanda
12
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Croatia
10
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Peru
10
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Slovakia
10
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Uganda
10
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Indonesia
9
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Cuba
7
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Ecuador
7
- 🇸🇸 South Sudan 7
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Eritrea
6
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Mongolia
6
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Nigeria
6
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Nepal
6
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Cameroon
5
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Ghana
5
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Myanmar
5
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Zambia
5
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Senegal
4
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Bulgaria
2
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Guinea
2
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Kenya
2
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Niger
2
- 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea 1
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Sierra Leone
1
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United States
1
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Zimbabwe
1
4 losses recorded here in the 2026 Iran Conflict.
Recent Events — Mi-17 Hip-H
7 events →-
MAY 42026
Mexico
Mi-17 suffered engine power failure seconds after takeoff from Fourth Naval Region base in Mazatlán; nose landing gear broken in forced landing, no casualties.
Damaged
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APR 72026
Iran
×3
Three IRGC Mi-17V-5/Mi-171E helicopters destroyed at Fat'h Heliport in Karaj by Israeli Delilah cruise missile strike; satellite imagery later confirmed at least four airframes hit, one already non-operational.
Destroyed
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APR 62026
Iran
×2
Two Mi-8/17 transport helicopters destroyed at Mehrabad Airport by Israeli airstrikes; IDF released strike footage confirming destruction.
Destroyed
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MAR 182026
Iran
Mi-17 helicopter destroyed on ground at Sanandaj Airport by Israeli airstrike; IDF released strike footage.
Destroyed
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MAR 32026
Iran
Mi-17 helicopter destroyed on ground by IDF airstrike; strike footage released showing direct hit on parked aircraft.
Shot down
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FEB 222026
Peru
Mi-17 lost radio contact during flood relief mission near Chala, Arequipa; all 15 aboard killed including 7 children.
Destroyed
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OCT 272025
Peru
Mi-17 crashed while attempting to land at Chagal, Pataz District; one occupant killed.
Crash
Description
The Mil Mi-17 (NATO reporting name Hip-H) is a Soviet-designed Russian medium twin-turbine transport helicopter and armed gunship produced in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. Introduced in 1975 as the Mi-8M series, the type is designated Mi-8MT in Russian military service and Mi-17 for export. It is recognized as one of the most widely operated military helicopters in history, serving troop transport, armed support, and specialized utility roles.
Development
Developed from the Mi-8 airframe, the Mi-17 incorporated Klimov TV3-117MT engines, rotors, and transmission from the Mi-14, along with fuselage modifications for heavier loads. Production began in the Soviet Union and continues in Russia, with licensed manufacturing also established in China by Sichuan Lantian Helicopter Company. Major milestones include an Indian contract for 151 Mi-17V-5 helicopters delivered by 2016 and local assembly kit agreements with Kazakhstan. Engine upgrades over time include the TV3-117VM for high-altitude operations and the FADEC-controlled Klimov VK-2500.
Design
The Mi-17 is distinguished from the Mi-8 by a port-side tail rotor, dust shields on engine intakes, shorter engine cowls, and a bleed air valve outlet forward of the exhaust. Powered by engines such as the Klimov VK-2500PS-03 rated at 1,800 kW, it reaches a maximum speed of 280 km/h and a service ceiling of 6,000 meters. Depending on variant, construction features include Kevlar cockpit armor, a dolphin nose, and a hydraulic loading ramp replacing clamshell doors. Avionics and specialized systems include Doppler and weather radars, FLIR turrets, night-vision-compatible cockpit lighting, and active protection systems.
Armament
Armed variants utilize up to six external hardpoints mounted on lateral stores racks. The helicopter carries unguided S-5 and S-8 rocket pods, UPK-23-250 gun pods, anti-tank guided missiles such as the 9M120 Ataka and Spike, drop tanks, and up to 4,000 kg of bombs. Defense is provided by one or two window-mounted PK machine guns. Internal payload capacity is 4,000 kg or 24 troops, with an external slung load capacity of 5,000 kg.
Operational History
Combat deployments include government offensives in Cambodia, the Sri Lankan Civil War, the 1999 Kargil War, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Missions range from armed assault and troop transport to anti-narcotics operations in Mexico and disaster relief in India and Thailand. Major operators and export customers include India, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Peru, Belarus, and the United States for allied forces.
Variants
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Mi-8MT: The basic updated Soviet military transport version powered by Klimov TV3-117MT engines, designated Mi-17 for export.
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Mi-8MTV-5: A military utility transport variant featuring Klimov TV3-117VM engines, a modified dolphin nose, and a rear loading ramp.
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Mi-8AMTSh: An armed assault variant equipped with targeting systems, guided anti-tank missiles, unguided rockets, and active defense systems.
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Mi-171E: An export variant equipped with VK-2500-03 engines designed for extreme temperature operations between -58°C and 50°C.
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Mi-171A2: A modernized civilian transport model incorporating Klimov VK-2500PS-03 engines and upgraded digital flight systems.