Mi-8MTV-5 Mi-17-V5

The Mi-8MTV-5 (Mi-17-V5) is a radically modernized version of the Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter. The Mil Mi-8MTV-5 (Mi-17-V5) multipurpose helicopter is intended for rapid airlift of troop forces to a combat area in the daytime and at night and air fire support. In 1995 Kazan exhibited an upgraded Mi-17MD, a 36-troop version of the Mi-17 at the Paris Air Show. Several requests for information were received from unspecified Asian countries. Prototype (RA-70937, converted from Mi-8MTV) featured widened forward, port, door; additional starboard door; and rear loading via short ramp and two clamshell doors. Further modified, with large, single-piece rear-loading ramp and other changes, for display at ILA '96, Germany, in search and rescue form, designated Mi-17MD Night. By 1997, '70937 had gained a spine-mounted IR jammer and flight deck armour and was stated by Kazan to have the dual designation Mi-17MD/Mi-8MTV-5. At the 1999 Moscow Air Show it had lost its registration and become an 'Mi-8MTV5-1' with the alternative designations Mi-17N (Noch: Night) and (for export) Mi-17V-5. First flight in this guise was in January 1998; first production Mi-17V-5 flew August 1999. Kazan-built production model with port side door enlarged from 0.83 m (2 ft 81/2 in) to 1.25 m (4 ft 11/4 in); new 0.83 m (2 ft 81/2 in) wide starboard sliding door; rear flat ramp with single hydraulic cylinder drive installed on helicopter floor and capable of being lowered to horizontal position in flight, permitting disembarkment of up to 36 troops in 15 seconds. Series production started in 1999. The Mi-17V-5 multi-mission helicopter is still manufactured by Kazan and is also offered as an upgrade. Further upgrades on offer include transport, special operations, medevac, SAR, fire fighting and combat variations.