Mi-17 (NATO designation: Hip) is a twin-turbine heavy multi-purpose helicopter. The aircraft has proven itself as a reliable transport in the freezing conditions of the Arctic, the heat of Africa, and the high mountains of Afghanistan and India. It was first introduced in the Soviet Air Force in 1967 and its various versions have been in production ever since with the latest model going into serial production in 2017.
The helicopter can lift up to 4,000 kg (approx. 8,820 lbs) internally or on external sling and has the operating ceiling of 6,000 meters (approx. 16,405 ft). It can be converted for cargo, passenger or combi (passenger and cargo) operations. It has the maximum range (with auxiliary tanks) of 1,160 km (approx. 626 nmi). Over the years of service, Mi-17 has proven itself a reliable and trusted aircraft under the harshest of conditions during military and humanitarian missions all over the world.
The aircraft can be used for a wide range of missions from carrying people, including emergency evacuations, and cargo to firefighting.