Description: The MIL Mi-8, dubbed Hip by NATO, is a twin-engine, multi-role, medium transport helicopter capable of transporting troops and equipment or conducting ground attack missions. Besides, the aircraft is also suitable for civilian operators related to a variety of transportation roles. The Mi-8 was developed in the late 1950s and 1960s by the Soviet Union, first flew on July 7, 1961, entering service in 1967. The five-bladed main rotor is driven by either two TV2-117 or TV3-117 turboshaft engines rated from 1,700-shp to 2,200-shp allowing a top speed of 230-250 kilometers per hour. In addition to its crew of two/three men, the standard Mi-8 can transport as many as 24/28 troops. The Mi-17 was the export designation for the Soviet Mi-8. The Mi-171 refers to the modern production standard introduced in 1991. The aircraft design and technologies evolved over 60 years with the current production standards (various models) being far more sophisticated and performant than early models. More than 12,000 Mi-8/17/171 helicopters of all models were produced or are in production for the Soviet Union, Russia and international customers. As of November 2013, roughly 2,400 Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopters remain in service worldwide. In January 2015 that figure had increased to 2,469 aircraft with several models remaining in production beyond 2020.

The Mi-171Sh, Mi-8AMTSh Terminator Russian Army designation, is a military transport helicopter developed on the basis of the Mi-171 aircraft. Its primary role is the transport of up to 37 troops, loads of up to 4,000 kg or up to 12 wounded on stretchers. The Mi-171Sh can be fitted with Shturm-V/Shturm-B anti-tank guided missiles, S-8 unguided rockets, cannons (up to 23mm) and protection systems to engage armored vehicles, personnel and fortifications. Besides the transport role, this helicopter can perform combat search and rescue (CSAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and anti-tank search and destroy missions. These aircraft can be powered by either TV3-117VM or VK-2500 turboshaft engines each rated at 2,100-hp and 2,700-hp respectively. The first Mi-171Sh were ordered by Croatia and the Czech Republic in the early 2000s and production aircraft deliveries started in 2005. The aircraft, Mi-8AMTSh, entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2009. These aircraft are manufactured at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (UUAP).