Russia Pursues New Mi-17-Type Helicopter – Called “Gathering Storm”

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byPeter Suciu

The Russian military is preparing for a significant “storm” development – as in serial production of its upgraded Mi-171Sh Storm military transport helicopter, which will be equipped with guided missiles. Production on the new model will begin in two years, state media reported.

“The serial production of the modernized Mi-171Sh helicopter will begin in 2022,” Mikhail Karpushkin, a deputy head of the marketing, sales and maintenance department of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant – maker of the rotary aircraft – told Tass during last week’s Army-2020 International Military and Technical Forum.

The upgraded version of the Storm helicopter, which also reportedly features enhanced protection and displays improved striking capabilities, was displayed at the Army-2020 outside of Moscow. The annual event, which was held at the Russian Armed Forces’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center, ran from August 23 to 29.

Old But Reliable

The Mi-171Sh is the latest updated version of the Mi-17, which entered service in the Soviet Red Army in the 1970s and which saw use as an armed gunship version – comparable to the American Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey).