The Russian military is gearing up for a significant development in the serial production of its upgraded Mi-171Sh Storm military transport helicopter. This enhanced model will be equipped with guided missiles. According to Mikhail Karpushkin, a deputy head of the marketing, sales, and maintenance department of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, the production of the modernized Mi-171Sh helicopter is scheduled to commence in 2022. This announcement was made during the recent Army-2020 International Military and Technical Forum. The inclusion of guided missiles signifies a notable enhancement in the helicopter’s offensive capabilities.

The enhanced version of the Storm helicopter, featuring upgraded protection and improved striking capabilities, was showcased at the Army-2020 event outside Moscow. This annual exhibition, held at the Russian Armed Forces’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center, took place from August 23 to 29. The event provided a platform to showcase advancements in military technology and capabilities, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance the helicopter’s performance and functionality.

The Mi-171Sh represents the latest evolution of the Mi-17, which entered service in the Soviet Red Army during the 1970s and later adapted into an armed gunship version comparable to the American Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey). The Mi-17S was introduced to the global market in 2002, experiencing widespread exportation to various regions, including the Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe, facilitated by the Russian state-owned exporter Rosobornexport.

Notably, the Mi-171Sh stands out as unique due to its procurement by both Russian allied partners and NATO member countries. Some units were sold to Croatia and the Czech Republic between 2005 and 2008. Despite geopolitical affiliations, Russia has been known to export its helicopters internationally, even to countries like the United States.

Primarily designed as a transport helicopter, the Mi-171Sh exhibits versatility in its deployment for various missions. These missions include airlifting assault forces, cargo transportation, troop fire support, air-to-surface attack, escort of military columns, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations.

The Mi-171Sh Storm, known for its all-weather day and night operability, is equipped with a five-bladed main rotor, a tail rotor, and non-retractable tricycle nose-wheel landing gear. Its glassed-in cockpit accommodates three crew members, while the main cabin has the capacity to house up to 36 troops or accommodate up to 12 casualties on stretchers.

In contrast to American helicopters like the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, which prioritizes survivability features such as a ballistically tolerant and crashworthy main structure, the Mi-171Sh Storm focuses on combat survivability through its specially designed armor protection for the crew cabin and vital units. This emphasis on enhanced combat survivability sets it apart in the realm of military helicopters.

The transformation of transport and assault helicopters is not exclusive to the Russian storm. Recent reports indicate that China’s Z-8L transport helicopter has undergone a significant makeover, featuring a wider body to accommodate a Bobcat all-terrain assault vehicle within its well-protected cabin. This upgrade is complemented by advanced technology integration, including a radar warning receiver and infrared decoys.

The evolution of transport helicopters is notable when compared to their counterparts from the past 80 years, such as the Sikorsky R4 “Egg Beater,” which served during the Second World War. The strides in design, technology, and versatility underscore the continuous development in rotorcraft capabilities across different nations.