Airplane Russian Airforce BBC Attack Helicipter MI-8MT 10" Model Aircraft Historical Note: The Mil Mi-17 (also known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service, NATO reporting name "Hip") is a Russian helicopter currently in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. It is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. Mi-17s were used by the Cambodian government's 1996 dry season offensive, five of them being converted to gunships equipped with 57mm rocket pods and providing air support for ground forces attacking the Khmer Rouge stronghold of Pailin.In May 1999, during Operation "SafedSagar", the Mi-17 was used in the first air phase of Kargil operations by 129HU of the IAF against Pakistani regular and Pakistan backed militant forces. One Mi-17 was lost in combat to shoulder fired missiles. Mi-17s were withdrawn and attacks by fixed-wing aircraft began. The Mi-17 was used extensively by the Sri Lanka Air Force in the Sri Lankan Civil War. Seven of them were lost in combat and attacks on airports. The Mi-17 was used by the Colombian Army in Operation Jaque. In 2001, the Macedonian Air Force used the Mi-17 against Albanian insurgents. Info: MI 17 Russia Air Force
