Indian Air Force To Induct Mi-17 V5 Helicopter Into Service

The Indian Air Force will induct the Mi-17 V5 helicopter into service Feb 17. The armed helicopter is equipped effective firepower and powerful engines that will greatly enhance its payload carriage capability at higher altitudes. An upgrade of Mi-17, the latest version is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and onboard Navigation Systems. It is a glass cockpit variant; the first of its kind to get inducted into the IAF. It has onboard weather radar, state of the art autopilot and is compatible with the latest Generation (Gen-III) Night vision Goggles. Equipped with a Bambi-Bucket that can be used for fire-fighting, it is also fitted with a powerful winch – a feature useful in the Disaster Relief Operations in restricted areas where landing is not possible. A starboard door and a ‘Dolphin’ shaped nose section give the Mi-17 V5 a unique identity. The entire airframe has a high degree of ballistics tolerance and is crash-resistant. It also comes equipped with an emergency flotation system. Induction of Mi-17 V5 will enhance the capabilities of the IAF manifold in undertaking varied roles to face the challenges thrown in by unforgiving weather, hostile environment and difficult terrain in India.