MI – 17 V5

The MI – 17V – 5 is a military transport helicopter. It is a variant of MI-8/177 family. It is produced by the Russian Government.

About MI – 17 V5

It has optional engines for hot and high conditions. The helicopter is ideal to be used in high mountains. It was recently exported to China and Venezuela.  The Indian Military uses MI – 17 V5 mainly for transport purposes. It is also used for troops and arms transport, fire support, patrol, convoy escort and search and rescue missions.

Used widely in Operation Enduring Freedom

The Operation Enduring Freedom was launched by the US Government for the Global War on Terrorism. It was launched after the September 11 attacks. It primarily targets the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Mi – 17 was used extensively during US Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In 2011, the US bought 63 of these helicopters Russia. In 2013, President Obama ended the operation.

Bipin Rawat Death

General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff died in a helicopter crash in Nilgris hills of Tamil Nadu. His death occurred while he was travelling in MI – 17 V5 helicopter.

MI – 17 V5 in India

In 2008, the Ministry of Defence signed 1.3 billion USD agreement with Russia to buy 80 helicopters. The delivery of the helicopters began in 2011. Till 2013, 36 were delivered. Again in 2013, the Indian Government signed an agreement for 71 of these helicopters. In 2018, Russia delivered the final batch of the ordered helicopters.

In 2019, Indian Air Force inaugurated an overhaul facility for MI – 17 V5.

Key Features

The helicopter can carry 4,000 kg of cargo or 24 troops or 12 stretchers. Its maximum speed is 280 km per hour. Its rate of climb is 8 metres per second. Some of the other variants of MI – 17 can be anti – tank guided missiles such as Ataka.