From 2010 until now, India’s Mi-17V-5 helicopter model has encountered at least 7 serious accidents, killing more than 50 people. The latest accident happened on 12/8. Among the 13 victims, was the Chief of defence Staff of the Indian Armed forces – General Bipin Rawat.
India is one of Russia’s major customers in the military and defense sector. According to Rostec, Moscow has delivered to New Delhi about 110 Mi-4s, 128 Mi-8s. The latest data shows that the Indian Air Force currently owns more than 200 Mi-17 helicopters.
Features of Mi-17V-5
The Russian side said that the Mi-17V-5 helicopter supplied to India is one of the most advanced aircraft of the Mi-8/Mi-17 series. The aircraft has a special design with an all-glass cockpit. Each aircraft is equipped with the KNEI-8 avionics system, and four multi-function displays that replace the control panel, facilitating pilot operations.
In addition, Mi-17V-5 is also equipped with modern powerful engines, helping to improve the ability to transport heavy and bulky goods. The maximum take-off weight of the Mi-17V-5 helicopter is 13,000kg. The aircraft can carry up to 36 armed soldiers. They are especially suitable for the high mountain regions of India. Compatibility with night vision goggles allows the helicopter to operate normally even in low visibility and dark night conditions.
The attack variant of MI-17V5 helicopter equipped with Shturm-V missiles, S-8 rockets, 23mm machine guns, PKT machine guns, and AKM sub-hunting guns. These weapons allow attacking armored vehicles, land targets, and many other targets.
Critical parts of the helicopter are protected by armored plates. The fuel tank is filled with polyurethane foam for protection from explosions.
The maximum speed of the Mi-17V-5 helicopter is 250km/h, the maximum altitude that the aircraft can reach is 6,000m.
Mi-17V-5 can be deployed in the missions of troop and weapons transport, fire support, escort, patrol and search and rescue missions. According to NDTV, the Mi-17V-5 is the backbone of the Indian Air Force transport helicopter fleet. This type of plane is also often used to transport high-ranking figures, including the prime minister.
The price of each Mi-17V5 ranges from 16.4 to 18.4 million USD. In addition to India, Mi-17V-5 helicopters are also used in Iraq, Czech Republic and Afghanistan.
Mi-17V-5 related incidents in India
November 19, 2010: An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crashes near Tawang, killing 12 people.
August 30, 2012: Two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters collide and crash in the village of Sarmat in Gujarat, killing nine people.
June 25, 2013: Mi-17V-5 helicopter while participating in a rescue operation crashed north of Gaurikund. Eight people on board were killed.
October 6, 2017: Seven soldiers of the Indian Air Force were killed when a Mi-17V-5 helicopter crashed in the high mountains near Tawan.
April 3, 2018: A Mi-17V-5 aircraft on a mission crashed near Kedarnath. All 6 crew members are safe.
February 27, 2019: Mi-17V-5 helicopter took off from Srinagar airport to participate in a routine operation. But just 10 minutes later, the plane crashed near Budgam Dist. All six service members on board were killed. The Indian Air Force concluded that the plane was mistakenly shot down by its own Spyder anti-aircraft missile.
December 8, 2021: The helicopter carrying the Chief of defence Staff of the Indian Armed forces – General Bipin Rawat crashed, killing 13 people. The only survivor was a soldier named Varun Singh. The cause of the accident is said to be poor visibility and dense fog.