Mil Mi-17 "Hip"

Mil Mi-17 "Hip"

The Mi-17 retains the codename 'Hip-H', denoting its derivation from the Mi-8 design. First identified in 1980-81, the Mi-17 is virtually a revision of the Mi-8 design using a combination of the 'Hip' airframe but with the port-side tail rotor, and fitted with the more powerful powerplants of the Mi-14. These result in an overall improvement in performance, particularly the hovering ceiling. The type remains in current production for both civil and military use as a cargo-carrying helicopter, with secondary capability as a passenger transport capable of carrying up to 24 passengers, or 12 stretcher cases when used as an ambulace. The first export examples were delivered to Cuba in 1983, and Mi-17s are now in service in Angola, Hungary, India, North Korea, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Poland, as well as the CIS.

Developed from the basic Mi-8 airframe, the Mi-17 was fitted with the larger 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 VK-2500 version of the 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 will load a vehicle up to the size of an SUV. In May 2008 licensed production of the Mi-17 started in China, with production being led by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant JSC and the Sichuan Lantian Helicopter Company Limited in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The plant built 20 helicopters in 2008, using Russian Ulan-Ude-supplied kits; production is expected to reach 80 helicopters per year eventually. The variants to be built by Lantian will include Mi-171, Mi-17V5, and Mi-17V7.

General characteristics

• Crew: Three – two pilots and one engineer
• Capacity: 30 troops or 12 stretchers or 4,000 kg (8,820 lb) cargo internally /5,000 kg (11,023 lb) externally slung.
• Length: 18.465 m (60 ft 7 in)
• Rotor diameter: 21.25 m (69 ft 10½ in)
• Height: 4.76 m (15 ft 7¼ in)
• Disc area: 356 m² (3,834 ft²)
• Empty weight: 7,489 kg (16,510 lb)
• Loaded weight: 11,100 kg (24,470 lb)
• Max. takeoff weight: 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Klimov TV3-117VM turboshafts, 1,633 kW (2,190 shp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 250 km/h (135 knots, 155 mph)
• Range: 465 km (251 nmi, 289 mi)(standard fuel)
• Service ceiling: 6,000 m (19,690 ft)
• Rate of climb: 8 m/s(1,575 ft/min)

Armament

• up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) of disposable stores on six hardpoints, including bombs, rockets, and gunpods