Kazan Helicopters
Mi-8/17
The Mi‑8/17 family, produced by Kazan Helicopters, is one of the most versatile and widely used rotorcraft in the world. Development began in the late 1950s as the Mil Mi‑8, a Soviet medium‑lift helicopter designed for transport, assault and SAR missions. The first flight took place in 1961 and series production started the following year, quickly becoming the backbone of Soviet and later Russian air forces. In the 1990s the platform was modernized and redesignated Mi‑17, incorporating more powerful Turbomeca or Klimov engines, glass‑cockpit avionics, and improved corrosion protection. Today Kazan Helicopters builds both the original Mi‑8 and the upgraded Mi‑17, offering variants such as the Mi‑8T transport, Mi‑8TV gunship, Mi‑17V‑5 naval version, and civilian passenger models. Key features include a twin‑engine layout, a spacious cabin that can seat up to 24 troops or 4,000 kg of cargo, a max speed of 260 km/h and a range exceeding 1,200 km. Its rugged design, ease of maintenance and ability to operate from unprepared fields have made it a staple in more than 60 countries, supporting humanitarian aid, oil‑field logistics and combat operations, cementing its significance in modern aviation history.
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Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 18.3 metre