Utility Helicopter
Mi-8 / Mi-17
The Mi-17 is the export name of the upgraded Mi-8 family, a twin-turbine medium transport helicopter designed by Mil and built by Kazan Helicopters and the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. Flown by more than 60 countries, the Mi-8/Mi-17 is widely described as the most-produced helicopter in history.
Russia|Kazan Helicopters & Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (Russian Helicopters)Overview
The Mi-8 first flew in 1961 and entered Soviet service around 1967. The more powerful Mi-8MT followed in 1977, and the Mi-17 export designation dates from 1981; it can be recognised by its tail rotor on the left side. A typical Mi-17V-5 carries 24–36 troops or 4,000 kg of cargo, reaches about 250 km/h and has a range of about 495–580 km. Armed versions such as the Mi-171Sh carry rockets, gun pods and anti-tank missiles.
Production totals range from more than 12,000 to over 17,000, depending on how variants are counted, and the type is still built in Russia. Russia, India and China operate large fleets, with many more across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Arab world. It has flown in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria and on both sides of the Russia–Ukraine war. Western sanctions since 2014 and 2022 have complicated new exports and spare parts, and some former operators are switching to Western types.
Key Specifications
Variants
Original Soviet transport helicopter, first flown in 1961, with its tail rotor on the right side.
Largest export version, with a rear loading ramp and more powerful engines, flown in large numbers by India.
Armed export version of the Ulan-Ude-built Mi-8AMTSh, nicknamed Terminator, with up to six weapon hardpoints.
Operators
Russia
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan
Tajikistan
Kyrgyzstan
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Ukraine
India
China
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Myanmar (Burma)
Laos
Vietnam
Thailand
Indonesia
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Mongolia
Cambodia
Egypt
Algeria
Iraq
Iran
Sudan
South Sudan
Ethiopia
Uganda
Rwanda
Kenya
Angola
Mozambique
Congo – Kinshasa
Nigeria
Ghana
Mali
Burkina Faso
Niger
Chad
Senegal
Mexico
Colombia
Peru
Venezuela
Argentina
Ecuador
Cuba
Nicaragua
Poland
Czechia
Serbia
BulgariaFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mi-17 helicopter cost?
A new Mi-17V-5 or Mi-171Sh costs roughly US$ 15–20 million in export deals. For example, the US bought Mi-17V-5s for Afghanistan around 2011 at about US$ 17–18 million each, according to contract-based estimates.
What is the difference between Mi-8 and Mi-17?
The Mi-17 is a Mi-8 airframe with more powerful TV3-117 engines, an improved gearbox and the tail rotor moved to the left side. Mi-17 is mainly an export name for the upgraded Mi-8MT/MTV family.
Mi-17 vs Black Hawk: which is better?
They suit different needs. The Mi-17 is larger, carrying 24–36 troops or 4,000 kg of cargo, while the UH-60 Black Hawk carries fewer troops but is more compact and agile and is backed by Western support networks.
How many troops can a Mi-17 carry?
A Mi-17 can carry 24–36 troops, depending on the variant and seating, or 12 stretchers. It can also lift about 4,000 kg of cargo inside the cabin or the same weight on an external sling.
Which countries use the Mi-17?
More than 60 countries use the Mi-8/Mi-17. Russia has the largest fleet, India and China also fly big fleets, and other operators include Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru and Ukraine.
How fast is a Mi-17?
A Mi-17 has a maximum speed of about 250 km/h and cruises at 230–240 km/h. Its range is about 495–580 km on internal fuel and about 1,065 km with auxiliary tanks.
