Mil Mi-172 "Hip"
Kazan Helicopters · Soviet Union · first flew 1991 · transport aircraft
The Mi-172 is an export-focused passenger and VIP transport variant of the Mi-8/Mi-17 family, produced by Kazan Helicopters with enhanced performance and interior fit for commercial operators.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.17 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Uprated commercial/VIP export variant of Mi-8/Mi-17 family
- Five-blade main rotor with tail rotor on port side
- Large cabin with rounded nose and clamshell rear doors
Externally very similar to the Mi-8 and Mi-17; the Mi-172 is most easily identified by context and markings rather than airframe differences. The characteristic large rounded nose, high-mounted engines above the cabin, five-blade rotor, and port-side tail rotor are universal Mi-8 family traits.
Specifications
- The Mil Mi-172 has a length of 18.17 m (60 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.29 m (70 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed in the early 1990s to address export market demand for a more refined version of the ubiquitous Mi-8/17, the Mi-172 incorporates TV3-117VM turboshaft engines and improved systems. It targets commercial aviation, government, and offshore sectors in markets where the military Mi-17 is less appropriate.
Variants
The Mi-172 sits alongside the Mi-8AMT, Mi-17-1V, and Mi-172A in the extended Mi-8/17 family. The Mi-172A incorporates further modernisation including glass cockpit options.
Where you'll see it
Operated by commercial airlines, government agencies, and VIP operators across Central Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and Africa. India operates a large fleet of Mi-172 and Mi-17 variants.
Related aircraft
- Kazan Ansat
- Mil Mi-17V-5
- Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
- Raytheon T-1 Jayhawk
- Basler BT-67
- Beechcraft King Air 300 MARSS
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