Rotorcraft
Ruggedness, Reliability Keep Russian VIP helicopters in Vogue
The Mi-8/17 series helicopters remain in widespread use worldwide.
A Russian Mi-171A2 and Mi-38. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
A Russian Mi-171A2 and Mi-38. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

Albeit having a small share in the global market for business aircraft, the Russian aerospace industry maintains one important stronghold with VIP-configured Mi-8/17 series helicopters. Operational since 1965, the platform continues in production with more than 13,000 copies built so far, including hundreds for use by corporations and government officials.

Exported to more than a hundred countries, the helicopters logged some 100 million flight hours and won worldwide acclaim for ruggedness, reliability, and predictability, the three merits that certain customers place above all else. A Hip (NATO code name for the Mi-8/17) can be much noisier and shakier than most modern designs, but its outstanding flight record and classic appearance prevail when a customer does not want to take any chances.

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