It can also be very heavily armed with an extensive array or rockets, misslies and guns. It is often used to air assault infantry forces to attack the point of penetration, reinforce units in contact or disrupt counterattacks. The Mi-17 can be recognized because it has the tail rotor at the starboard side, instead of the port side. The Mi-17 added a number of improvements to its predecessor, including a vibration damper to increase comfort for crew members and passengers. If one engine fails, the other engine s output is automatically increased to allow continued flight.
Interior seats are removable for cargo carrying.
The rear clamshell doors open, an internal winch facilitates loading of heavy freight. Floor has tiedown rings throughout. The aircraft carries a rescue hoist capable to 150 kg. External stores are mounted on weapons racks on each side of the fuselage. The Mi-17 has six external hardpoints.