MI-17

Origin: Russia
Type: Utility and assault helicopter.
Accommodation: Four crew. Two pilots seat side-by-side along with one one engineer in the cockpit. A load master is usually carried in the cabin. 24 troops can be embarked in the cabin.
Design Features: Same as Mi-8. The Mi-17 can be recognized because it has the tail rotor at the starboard side, instead of the port side.
Number Procured: 93+
........................53 Ordered in Feb 86 (47 to IAF , 6 to Ministry of Home Affairs)
........................40 Mi-17-1Vs ordered in May 2000
Units Equipped:
........................127 Helicopter Unit "First Ranas"
........................128 Helicopter Unit "Siachen Tigers"
........................129 Helicopter Unit "Nubra Warriors"
........................130 Helicopter Unit "Condors"
........................152 Helicopter Unit "Mighty Armours"
........................153 Helicopter Unit "Daring Dragons"
........................Air HQ and Communications Flight
Rotor Span: 21.2m, length - 25.3m, height - 4.70m and disc area - 365 m2
Weights: Empty - 7260 kg (15,972 lbs.)
............Gross - 12,000 kg (26,400 lbs.)
Avionics: Same as Mi-8 with an improved Doppler navigation system.
Engine: Two 1900hp Isotov TV3-117M engines with contingency rating of 2300 shp in free turbine mode. Air intakes fitted with auto synchronization systems as well as FOD deflectors. APU present.
Speed: Maximum - 288 km/h (173 mph; 150 knots)
..........Max. cruising speed - 240 km/h (144 mph, 125 knots)
Service Ceiling: 5062 meters (16,600 ft.)
Range: Maximum - 625 nautical miles (1200km; 720 miles).
..........Operational - 307 nautical miles (590 km; 354 miles)
Armament: Fitted for a 12.7mm machine gun in the chin. Can also carry up to six UV-57 57mm unguided rocket pods and ATGMs on pylon outriggers. Provision FLIR and weapon delivery sights.
Self Defence: Flare/chaff dispensers in clamshell doors and IR suppressers on aircraft aft of engines.
Comments: Progressively replacing the Mi-8 in IAF service. The Mi-17s were very active in providing CAS (Close Air Support) to Indian troops during the Kargil campaigns during 1999 at altitudes in excess of 15,000 feet. One helicopter and all its crew, from 152 HU, were lost when it was shot down by Pakistani stingers.
In May 2000, India and Russia signed a $170 million deal for 40 additional Mi-17 helicopters. These are of the Mi-17-1B variant, which have more powerful engines and enlarged side doors, allowing quicker disembarkation of personnel. The first four choppers were delivered on 19 October 2000 and the last batch will reach India in mid-2001. The helicopters will be fitted with sixteen Vikhr-V (AT-16) anti-tank guided missiles after all 40 helicopters have been delivered.