Stretched variants of the Mi-8 Hip are quite rare, and the Afghan Air Force has one. This particular helicopter was reserialled from 002 to 588, more in line with the numbering system in use for AAF Hips, during 2008. To provide some comfort in the hot Afghan climate, the helicopter is equipped with an air-conditioning unit on the right-hand side of the cabin.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Миль Ми-8МТ / Ми-17 - РоссияRussia - 1975

The three VIP configured Hips of the Presidential Squadron are unique in carrying flare launchers attached to the MILDS missile warning system.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Миль Ми-8МТ / Ми-17 - РоссияRussia - 1975

Serial number 565 is believed to be one of the original Mi-8MT/MTV helicopters in use with the Northern Alliance, and a survivor of the civil war. It has been overhauled and repainted in the standard AAF colour scheme for the Hip. During overhaul its weapon outriggers were removed - the attachment points can still be seen below the helicopter's exhaust.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Миль Ми-8МТ / Ми-17 - РоссияRussia - 1975

During September 2009 the AAF took delivery of at least two Mi-171 Hips that had a weather radar in a small radome as well as a small bulge for IFF avionics on top of the flight deck. One of those Mi-171s is seen during sling load operations over western Afghanistan.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Миль Ми-8МТ / Ми-17 - РоссияRussia - 1975

The ex-Czech Air Force Mi-17s differ from the many civil Hips pressed into service by the Afghan Air Force in having armour both inside, and outside, the cockpit. Here serial number 572 (ex Czech Air Force 0830) takes off in the dusty conditions of southern Afghanistan.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Миль Ми-8МТ / Ми-17 - РоссияRussia - 1975

A rather battered looking Mi-8MTV-1 followed by an ex-Czech Air Force Mi-17 come in to land at Kandahar Air Field.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Миль Ми-8МТ / Ми-17 - РоссияRussia - 1975

An order for ten Mi-17V-5 Hip helicopters for the AAF was placed during 2008, and the last four of this order were received during December of 2010. Seen taking off from Kabul with a few brightly coloured Hips in the background is Mi-17V-5 serial 710.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Миль Ми-8МТВ-5 / Ми-17В-5 / Ми-8АМТ - РоссияRussia - 1995