Iranian naval forces. Iranian destroyers

Mi-8 (V-8, product "80", according to NATO: Mi-8Hip- “thigh”) - a Soviet / Russian multi-purpose helicopter created by the Design Bureau named after M. L. Mil in the early 1960s. This machine is the most massive twin-engine helicopter in the world, and is also included in the list of the most massive helicopters in history. It is widely used in many countries of the world for most civil and military tasks.

Story

The first B-8 prototype took off on July 9, 1961; the second prototype of the B-8A - September 17, 1962. After a number of improvements, the Mi-8 was adopted by the Soviet Air Force in 1967 and proved to be such a successful machine that purchases of the Mi-8 for the Russian Air Force continue in our time. Mi-8 is operated in more than 50 countries, including India, China and Iran.

The modernization of the Mi-8 helicopter, which ended in 1980, led to the creation of an improved version of this machine - the Mi-8MT (product "88", which received the designation Mi-17 when exported), which is distinguished by an improved power plant (2 TV3- 117), as well as the presence of an auxiliary power unit. Mi-17 is not so widespread and is used in about 20 countries around the world.

In 1991, the production of a new civil transport modification Mi-8AMT (the export version is called Mi-171E) started, and in the late 1990s, the military transport and assault modification Mi-8AMTSh (Mi-171Sh).

In 2014, the 3500th helicopter of the Mi-17 family was delivered to the customer.

Design

A single-rotor helicopter with a 5-bladed main rotor and a 3-bladed tail rotor. The attachment of the main rotor blades is hinged (vertical, horizontal and axial hinges), and the tail rotor blades are combined (horizontal and axial), cardan type. The transmission of the Mi-8 helicopter is the same as that of the Mi-4 helicopter. The main rotor blades are all-metal, consisting of a hollow spar, extruded from an aluminum alloy, to the rear edge of which 24 compartments (on some versions 23) with a honeycomb filler of aluminum foil are glued, forming a profile. All main rotor blades are equipped with pneumatic spar damage alarm. Mi-8 is equipped with an electric anti-icing system of blades, which operates in both automatic and manual modes, and is powered by 208 volts alternating voltage. If one of the engines fails in flight, the other engine automatically switches to increased power, while level flight is performed without lowering the altitude. In the main mode, the main rotor rotates at a speed of 192 min-1, the tail rotor - 1445 min-1. The helicopter control system uses hydraulic boosters - three KAU-30B (combined control unit) to control the main rotor and one RA-60B (steering unit) to control the tail rotor.

The landing gear is tricycle, non-retractable, with a self-orienting front strut in flight. To prevent the tail rotor from touching the ground, there is a tail support. The helicopter's external suspension system makes it possible to carry cargo weighing up to 3 tons. The Mi-8 is equipped with a four-channel autopilot AP-34, which provides roll, pitch and direction stabilization, as well as flight altitude (+...-50m). In the passenger version, up to 18 seats can be installed in the helicopter cabin, in the transport version it is equipped with folding benches for 24 seats. To maintain a comfortable temperature in the cockpit and cargo compartment, the helicopter is equipped with a heating system, a KO-50 kerosene heater, and ventilation are used. Navigation and flight instruments and radio equipment in all modifications of the helicopter make it possible to fly at any time of the day in any weather.

Helicopters of different modifications differ very significantly in the composition of the equipment. Early helicopters (Mi-8, Mi-8T) are equipped with two TV2-117 engines with a capacity of 1500 hp, with a 10-stage compressor and start from a GS-18TO starter-generator installed on each engine. When starting the first engine, its starter-generator is powered by six on-board batteries 12CAM28 (starter aviation monoblock with a capacity of 28 Ah) with a voltage of 24 V, the second engine - from the starter-generator of an already running engine, and three batteries. When the GS-18TO engines are running, a voltage of 27 volts is supplied to the main power supply system. Four batteries are installed in the cockpit under the shelves of electrical and radio equipment, two on each side, the remaining two are behind the pilot's cabin in the cargo compartment, in the passenger version in the rear part behind the cabin partition. Despite the relatively small capacity, they are able to provide 5 engine starts in a row on the ground and in the air at altitudes up to 3 km, while they give off a current of 600-800 amperes, when the engines are running, they are charged from DC generators and automatically turn off when the rated capacity is reached or turn on. in the event of a voltage drop in the on-board network (in case of generator failure) using differential-minimum relays DMR-600T, generator operation control system.

A three-phase voltage of 36 V for powering gyroscopic instruments is supplied by one of two PT-500Ts converters (main or backup), a single-phase current of 208 V with a frequency of 400 Hz to power the heating elements of propellers and windshields - an SGO-30U generator installed on the main gearbox. Also from SGO-30U through a single-phase transformer TS / 1-2, which supplies radio and navigation equipment, and from it - a transformer Tr-115/36, which supplies engine and transmission control devices with a single-phase voltage of 36 V, and through a transformer 115 / 7.5 - power supply for the contour lights of the main rotor. If SGO-30U fails, the blade heating elements are switched off, the rest of the equipment automatically switches to power supply from the PO-750A converter.

Later series helicopters (Mi-8MT, Mi-17, etc.) have been significantly upgraded. The engines were replaced with more powerful (2250 hp) TV3-117 with a 12-stage compressor and air start, an AI-9V APU was installed to supply air to the air starters of the engines, the starter-generator STG-3 of which, when the APU is running, can supply voltage 27 volt power of 3 kW for 30 minutes. The main power supply system with a voltage of 208 V, a frequency of 400 Hz is powered by two SGS-40PU generators located on the main gearbox. In the 27 V system, two 12SAM-28 batteries are installed to start the APU and emergency power, and three VU-6A rectifiers are installed for the main power when the engines are running. VU No. 1, propeller heating elements and a transformer TS310S04B (power 1 kW) are fed from the first generator to power a three-phase 36 V network, from the right generator - VU No. 2 and No. 3, glass heating and dust protection device (PZU) of engines, transformer TS / 1 -2.

If generator No. 1 fails, TS310S04B automatically switches to generator No. 2; if both generators or the transformer itself fails, the PT-200Ts converter starts. If generator No. 2 fails, TS/1-2 switches to generator No. 1; if both generators or the transformer itself fails, the PO-500A converter starts up. Also, if generator No. 2 fails, VU-6A No. 3 switches to generator No. 1.

The helicopter has two hydraulic systems - the main and backup, the pressure in each is created by a separate pump NSh-39M, installed on the main gearbox. Pressure is regulated within 45+-3 ... 65+8-2 kgf/sq.cm. GA-77V automatic pump unloaders, supported by hydraulic accumulators - two in the main system and one in the backup. The hydraulic supply of consumers - RA-60B tail rotor control, KAU-30B common rotor pitch, two KAU-30B longitudinal and transverse controls, a movable stop in the tail rotor control system and the friction clutch of the Step-Gas handle - is switched on by separate electromagnetic cranes GA192.

Modifications

Experienced

V-8 - The first prototype with one gas turbine engine (gas turbine engine) AI-24V (single-shaft turboprop engine with a 10-stage axial compressor, an annular combustion chamber and a three-stage turbine) designed by A. G. Ivchenko. The first flight was made on June 24, 1961.

-V-8A - The second prototype with two gas turbine engines TV2-117 (aircraft turboshaft engine)

V-8AT - The third prototype.

V-8AP - The fourth prototype.

Passenger

Mi-8P - passenger helicopter has 28 seats. Equipped with rectangular portholes.

Mi-8PA - modification of Mi-8P with GTD TV2-117F engines (designed to operate in difficult climatic conditions)

Transport

Mi-8T is a transport and assault helicopter designed for the Air Force.

Mi-8TS is an export version of the Mi-8T, created specifically for the Syrian Air Force, modified for dry climate conditions.

Multipurpose

Mi-8TV - "Transport, armed." has been in service with the USSR Air Force since 1968. It is distinguished by the installation of guides for 4 ATGMs 9M14M "Malyutka", an A-12.7 machine gun, armored cockpit, gearbox and engine hoods, bulletproof glass of the cockpit (mainly frontal).

Mi-8AT - helicopter with TV2-117AG engines.

Mi-8AV - air mine layer for ground forces. It was equipped with a BMP-1 minelayer. Which could set from 64 (in the first modifications) to 200 min.

Mi-8AD is a modification of an air mine layer for the ground forces, designed to lay small-sized non-recoverable anti-personnel mines.

Mi-8MT - modification with TV3-117 engines.

Mi-8MTV or Mi-8MTV-1 - modification with TV3-117VM, TV3-117VM series 02, VK-2500-03 engines. Serial production started in Kazan in 1988.

Mi-8MTV-5 - the shape of the bow ("dolphin nose") has been replaced. Since the end of 2013, it has been equipped with the Test-1 BUR instead of SARPP-12DM (SARPP-12D1M).

Mi-8MTKO - a variant with lighting equipment adapted to the use of an aerobatic night vision system.

Mi-17-1V - version of the Mi-8MTV intended for export

Mi-8AMT (export designation - Mi-171E) - version of the Mi-8MTV with minor changes, produced at the aircraft factory in Ulan-Ude (since 1991). There are different modifications: passenger, transport, search and rescue, VIP-salon, etc.

Mi-171 is a modification of the Mi-8AMT helicopter, it has a certificate issued by the Interstate Aviation Committee.

Mi-171A1 is a modification of the Mi-8AMT helicopter, which complies with the Airworthiness Standards for US rotorcraft FAR-29.

Mi-17KF - Mi-8MTV-5 modification with Honeywell avionics. The Mil Design Bureau was created jointly with Kazan Helicopter Plant by order of the Canadian company Kelowna Flightcraft. The first flight was made on August 3, 1997.

Mi-8TG - modification of Mi-8P with multi-fuel gas turbine engines TV2-117G (Improved version of TV2-117A with additional graphite bearing seals. TV2-117A engines are upgraded to TV2-117AG during repairs)

Mi-14 is a multipurpose amphibious helicopter.

Mi-18 - is an elongated version of the Mi-8MT. Not serially produced.

Mi-8MSB - Ukrainian modification with TV3-117VMA-SBM1V 4E series engines, for the Air Force (adopted in April 2014) and for export.

Mi-8TECh-24 - flying technical and operational unit. Equipped with locksmith, electrical, control and calibration and other equipment used during the operation and repair of helicopter equipment.

Mi-8TZ - tanker and transporter of fuel.

Mi-8BT - trawl towing vehicle.

Mi-8SP - special sea rescue.

Mi-8SPA - search and rescue helicopter to search for astronauts and other crews aircraft in case of splashdown.

Mi-8TL is a forest fire modification equipped with a massive water discharge system and a water cannon.

Mi-8S is a staff helicopter equipped with round windows.

Mi-8PS is a staff helicopter equipped with square windows.

Mi-8KP - specialized command post to conduct large-scale integrated search and rescue operations.

Mi-8GR or Mi-8R is a reconnaissance helicopter designed for visual observation and photography in the front line.

Mi-8K - artillery spotter.

Mi-8TAKR - a helicopter with a television surveillance complex.

Mi-8VD - radiation-chemical reconnaissance helicopter.

Mi-8S is a modification of a helicopter with a combined power plant of turboshaft engines operating on a main rotor and a thrust turbojet.

Mi-8MTL is a reconnaissance aircraft with the possibility of simultaneous use of thermal imaging reconnaissance and radio interception with accurate determination of target coordinates.

Mi-8MTYu - It was designed in a single copy. Designed specifically to detect descent vehicles, small-sized surface targets, a radar antenna is located in the nose. Used by the Ukrainian Air Force.

Mi-AMT-1 - equipped with a high-comfort cabin (VIP-salon) for the government squadron of the President of the Russian Federation

Air command posts

Mi-8VKP or Mi-8VzPU - air command post.

Mi-8IV or Mi-9 - air command post intended for division commanders, serial modification.

Mi-9 is an air command post for commanders of motorized rifle and tank divisions. Equipped with an automated communication complex. Designed in 1987 on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-9R - an air command post designed specifically for commanders missile divisions Strategic Missile Forces. Equipped with an automated communication complex. Designed in 1987 on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Medical

Mi-8MB - air hospital. Designed on the basis of the Mi-8T.

Mi-8MTB - armored air hospital. Created on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTVM is a medical modification of the Mi-8MTV.

Mi-8MTV-MPS is a medical search and rescue helicopter based on the Mi-8MTV.

The Mi-17G is an air hospital variant designed for export.

Mi-17-1VA "Ambulatory" - a version of the Mi-8MTV in a sanitary version, designed for export.

Jammers

Mi-8SMV is a jammer equipped with a jamming station "Smalta-V" (Smalta-helicopter).

Mi-8PP - an electronic warfare (electronic warfare) helicopter, according to some reports, it is equipped with the Pole complex, but in the 70-80s. it was customary to call electronic warfare complexes by the names of plants, it is quite possible that this option is simply confused with the early versions of the Mi-8PPA.

Mi-8PPA - an electronic warfare helicopter equipped with Azalia and Fasol stations, according to some sources, a modified version of the Mi-8PP.

Mi-8MTP - jammer.

Mi-8MTPB - jammer.

Mi-8MTPI - jammer.

Mi-8MTPSh - jammer.

Mi-8MTD - jammer.

Mi-8MTR1 - jammer.

Mi-8MTR2 - jammer.

Mi-8MTS - jammer.

Mi-8MTSH1 - jammer.

Mi-8MTSH2 - jammer.

Mi-8MTSH3 - jammer.

Mi-8MTYa - jammer.

Mi-8MT1S - jammer.

Agricultural

Mi-8ATS is an agricultural version of the helicopter with fertilizer spraying devices. Designed on the basis of the Mi-8T.

Mi-8MTXh - agricultural helicopter. Developed on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Drums

Mi-8AMTSh (export designation - Mi-171Sh) is a transport and attack helicopter, equipped with a set of weapons equivalent to the Mi-24, a crew armor protection system and adapted for the use of night vision equipment. At the air show Farnborough-99 received the designation "Terminator". Since the end of 2011, it has been equipped with an on-board registration device Test-1 instead of SARPP-12. Since the end of 2013, it has been equipped with the Test-1 BUR with an extended list of recorded parameters (40 analog and 28 one-time).
Protection: EED, steel armor plates, LC ejection machine (False target - a device, structure, formation or means that imitates a real protected object in terms of signal characteristics, motion parameters (if the object is moving) and other signs essential for recognition and designed to divert electronic weapons from the actual target (protected object)), jammer, protected fuel tanks.

Capabilities: descent on a winch up to 4 people at the same time, a ramp, an IR searchlight, night vision goggles, an infrared camera.

Armament S-8 missiles in blocks, Attack missiles.

Mi-8AMTSh-1 - modification of the Mi-8AMTSh, equipped with a weapon system in combination with a high-comfort cabin (VIP-salon)

TTX Mi-8

Flight range, km:
- with additional fuel tanks 1300
-with a maximum supply of aviation fuel 800
- with a maximum load of 550
- Consumption of aviation fuel, t/h 0.72

Combat use of MI-8

Six Day War (1967) - at least 3 Egyptian Mi-8s destroyed by Israeli aircraft on airfields.
-Ethiopian-Somali War (1977-1978)
-Afghan war (1979-1989) - 40th Army lost 174 Mi-8 helicopters; the losses of helicopters of the border troops, SAVO and the Afghan army are unknown. During the Afghan conflict, a case of downing an Mi-8 from an old English Lee-Enfield rifle (“drill”) was recorded.
-Georgian-Abkhaz war (1992-1993)
-Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) - 6 Iraqi Mi-8s were shot down in the air by Iranian fighters. Total losses Iraqi helicopters are unknown.
-Pakish War (1981) - one Peruvian Mi-8 helicopter was shot down by FAL rifles
-War in Karabakh
-First Chechen War (1994-1996)
- Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict (1998-2000)
-Invasion of militants into the Republic of Dagestan (1999) - Russian army lost at least three Mi-8s.
-Kargil War (1999)
-NATO operation against Yugoslavia (1999) In 1999, a Serbian Mi-8 shot down a reconnaissance UAV from a machine gun. A similar incident occurred in 2000.
-Second Chechen War (1999)
-War in Afghanistan (since 2001)
-War in Iraq
-Operation Bhutan against Assamese resistance 2003
- Armed conflict in South Ossetia (2008)
-Civil war in Syria (since 2011)
- Armed conflict in the east of Ukraine (2014)

Operated:

Used in over 50 countries worldwide

Russia - 534 in 2010, 34 Mi-8s (22 Mi-8AMTSh, the rest Mi-8AMT and Mi-8MTV) were put into operation at the Budyonnovsk and Korenovsk air bases (10 Mi-8s). 53 Mi-8AMTSh in 2013
-Azerbaijan
-Algeria
- Argentina - in 2010-11 a contract was signed for six Mi-171E for flights from the coast of Argentina to Antarctica
-Armenia - as of 2014, 3 m-17v were also purchased
-Angola
-Afghanistan - a contract was concluded for the supply of 21 military transport Mi-17V5.
-Bangladesh
-Brazil - in 2011, three Mi-171A1s were manufactured for the ATLAS airline.
-Belarus
-Bulgaria
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Burkina Faso
-Butane
-Venezuela - 20 Mi-17s (in service with the country's Air Force), 6 Mi-17s have been ordered.
-Hungary
-Vietnam
-Ghana
-Guyana
-Germany
-Georgia - in 2011, there were 17 in service. Mi-8T
-Djibouti
-Zambia
-Egypt
- India - a large number of Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters are operated, delivery of another 80 helicopters, Mi-17V-5, is planned.
-Indonesia - 6 Mi-17-V5 were delivered in July 2008 under an agreement concluded in 2005.
-Iraq - in 2010, the United States placed an order for the Iraqi Air Force for 80 Mi-17 helicopters (of which 46 were in use), 68 were delivered by 2012.
-Iran - 5 Mi-171s have been ordered, of which 2 have already been delivered.
-Kazakhstan
- Cameroon - in 2013, an agreement was signed for the supply of a batch of Mi-17s.
-Canada
-Kenya
-Cyprus
-Kyrgyzstan
-China
-North Korea
-Colombia
-Cuba - in 2011, there were 2 in service. Mi-8R and 8 pcs. Mi-17
-Latvia - as of 2011, there were 4 in service. Mi-17
-Libya
-Lithuania - in 2011, there were nine Mi-8s in service
- Macedonia
-Mexico
-Moldova
-Mongolia
-Myanmar
-Nepal
-Nigeria
-Nicaragua - as of 2011, 16 pcs. Mi-17 is in service
-UAE
-UN
-Pakistan
-Transnistria
-Poland
-Peru - In 2010, 6 Mi-171E and Mi-171Sh were purchased.
-Romania - in 1968, 25 units were delivered. Mi-8T and 14 pcs. Mi-8PS, in 1985 - 3 more pcs. Mi-17; in the 1990s, two more Mi-17s were purchased for the police, one Mi-17-1V and one Mi-17-1VA; in 2001 they were decommissioned by the army (put in storage and transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs).
-Syria
-Serbia
-Slovakia
- Sudan - 6 units were purchased in 2012, in 2013 a contract was signed for the supply of 16 transport Mi-8s. Sudan Police - 1 Mi-17V-5 (b/n 101, serial number 736M07)
-USA - 70 Mi-17V5 units were purchased for missions in Afghanistan.
- Sierra Leone
-Tajikistan
-Turkmenistan
- Turkey - 19 units were ordered in 1993 and delivered in 1995. Mi-17-1V for the gendarmerie, in 2007 one helicopter crashed for technical reasons
-Ukraine
-Uzbekistan
-Finland
-Chad
-Montenegro
-Czech
-Croatia
-Sri Lanka
-Ecuador
-Eritrea
-Estonia
-South Korea. Police of the Republic of Korea - 3 Mi-172, as of the beginning of 2014.
-SOUTH AFRICA
-South Sudan

Three modernized Mi-8MTV5-1 helicopters flew from Kazan to the Leningrad Region at the Levashovo air base. The pilots appreciated the combat “new things.” “These are 3 cars that we received. They are equipped with new equipment, systems have been improved. A new radio station has been installed, which is much better than the old one,” said Sergey Varnakov, helicopter commander. Eighteen more such helicopters will be delivered by the end of the year. The updated Mi-8MTV5-1 is designed to transport cargo and equipment weighing up to 4,000 kg and can perform various tasks, including search and rescue operations. The cockpit has special night vision equipment . It allows you to fly in the dark at low altitudes, as well as land and take off from non-equipped sites. In addition, the helicopter is equipped with modern communication systems. The main characteristics of the helicopter:
Maximum takeoff weight - up to 13000 kg
The number of paratroopers transported - up to 36 people
The number of wounded transported on stretchers - 12 people
Flight range at maximum takeoff weight (with emergency fuel supply for 30 minutes): with main fuel tanks - 580 km
Flight range at maximum takeoff weight (with emergency fuel supply for 30 minutes): with two additional fuel tanks - 1065 km
Engine power in emergency mode: TVZ-117VM (Mi-8AMTSh) - 2x 2,100 hp With
Engine power in emergency mode: VK-2500 (option) - 2x 2,700 hp With.
Main armament
Armament with unguided rockets - S-8
Cannon armament caliber - 23 mm
Small arms (up to 8 firing points): bow PKT machine gun, aft PKT machine gun, AKM assault rifles, PK and RPK machine guns on the sides
Opportunities
Transportation and operational disembarkation
Transportation on a stretcher accompanied by medical staff
Transportation of goods in the cargo compartment - up to 4000 kg
Destruction of enemy forces, including armored vehicles, surface targets, structures, fortified firing points and other moving and stationary targets
Landing fire support
Escort of military convoys
Search and rescue operations, reconnaissance operations, patrols Over the long years of operation, this type of helicopter has been recognized as one of the best in the world in its category. To date, over 12,000 helicopters have been produced and delivered to more than 100 countries. Today, two types of Mi-8MTV helicopters are produced at the Kazan Helicopter Plant of the Russian Helicopters holding:
Mi-8MTV-1 - a multi-purpose modification, on the basis of which helicopters for various purposes are produced, including a flying hospital;
Mi-8MTV-5 is a military transport modification (the helicopter is designed to carry cargo inside the cabin and on an external sling, it can be used for rescue operations, as well as carry weapons). According to experts, Mi-8/17 helicopters will remain leaders in this niche is still at least 15-20 years old. Photo: Konstantin Semenov

Mi-17V-5 airborne transport helicopters in Afghanistan / Photo: northern-line.rf

The US Department of Defense positively assesses the quality of Russian Mi-17V-5 helicopters, which are supplied to equip the Afghan armed forces. This was announced in an exclusive interview with ARMS-TASS by a source in the military-industrial complex (MIC).

"The letter, signed by the head of the American NSRWA (Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft) Office, highly appreciates the Russian Mi-17V-5 helicopters. I emphasize that this is an official document, not someone else's words," the source said. .

As the specialist noted, another recognition of the outstanding flight qualities and reliability of the Mi-17V-5 from the American side was the issuance of a certificate on November 9, 2011 recognizing the procedures for ensuring and maintaining airworthiness in relation to Russian-made helicopters.

"US representatives have repeatedly stated that they chose Russian helicopters because of their unprecedented high reliability in desert climates and sandstorms," ​​the source added.

The defense industry representative also noted that from the very beginning of deliveries in 2011, the American side did not have any complaints about the quality of the aircraft supplied. "All rotorcraft arrived on time, they were assembled, tested, and then used for their intended purpose," the source added.

Russian helicopter Mi-17V-5 / Photo: upload.wikimedia.org

Technical reference

Mi-8MTV-5/Mi-17V-5 amphibious transport helicopter - a modern modification of the Mi-8MT helicopter, developed taking into account the experience of combat use.

Created as a result of further improvement of the Mi-8 family helicopters, developed by the design bureau of the Moscow Helicopter Plant with funds and with the direct participation of the Kazan Helicopter Plant.

The helicopter is designed to transport cargo and paratroopers inside the cabin and bulky cargo on an external sling.

In the cockpit / Photo: www.aex.ru

Cargo compartment / Photo: www.aex.ru

The layout of the helicopter allows you to minimize the time to leave the helicopter, which is especially important when landing in combat conditions (36 people in 15 seconds). In the landing version, 36 seats are installed on the helicopter, 6 of them are easily removable.

The Mi-17V-5 is equipped with a non-parachute landing system, which allows the simultaneous descent of four people. The helicopter is equipped with an SLG-300 winch with an onboard boom with a lifting capacity of 300 kg. To search for victims at night, a searchlight of the SX-16 type is used.

To increase the flight range, the Mi-17V-5 is equipped with additional fuel tanks (up to 4 tanks inside the cargo compartment or two tanks outside on special farms).

Mi-17V-5 / Photo: topwar.ru

Mi-17V-5 / Photo: topwar.ru

Main performance characteristics

"The serviceability of the fleet of delivered Russian helicopters exceeds the required level by 80-90 percent and this indicator meets all the requirements," the defense industry representative also informed.

The source noted that the average annual flight time of one Mi-17V-5 helicopter in Afghanistan is more than 200 hours. "This figure is higher than the average annual flight time in Soviet period", he informed.

Before the overhaul, according to the representative of the defense industry complex, there are 6-7 years or 2 thousand flight hours left. "Thus, the terms of the overhaul have not yet come," he said.

Mi-17V-5 Afghan Air Force / Photo: / Photo: periscope2.ru

"Currently, we are studying the possibility of extending the indicator of the assigned resource to 35 years," the representative of the defense industry informed. Despite the fact that the United States does not use the opportunity to purchase additional spare parts for Mi-17V-5 helicopters from Russia during the overhaul, according to the source, they will have to turn to the manufacturer in the future.

“A relatively powerful enterprise abroad for the repair of Russian aircraft is located in Prague, a plant in the United Arab Emirates (Sharzha) can repair the fuselage, the Zaporozhye Motor Sich enterprise will be able to repair engines.

Afghan Air Force pilots at the controls of the Mi-17V-5 / Photo: periscope2.ru

Afghan Air Force technicians at the controls of the Mi-17V-5 / Photo: periscope2.ru

Total so far to Afghanistan via ground troops The United States has delivered 48 Russian Mi-17V-5 helicopters out of 63 ordered. The main contract for the supply of 21 helicopters was signed by Rosoboronexport and the US government on May 26, 2011, and was completed by mid-2012.

Last year, Russia completed deliveries of 12 Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters under an additional agreement concluded with the US government in 2012 under the option of the main contract.

In 2013, Rosoboronexport and the US government agreed and signed an agreement for the delivery in 2014 of an additional batch of 30 helicopters.

In total, in accordance with the agreements between the two countries, 63 Mi-17V-5 helicopters for a total amount of about $ 1.150 billion will be delivered to the Afghan army as part of joint efforts to combat international terrorism. All helicopters are manufactured in the "night" version and equipped with goggles night vision.