Indian Air Force Mi-17 v5 Helicopters: Republic Day Rehearsal, in Delhi

From the archive record

Indian Air Force's Mi-17 v5 Helicopters fly over India Gate with Indian flags during the rehearsal of the Republic Day parade, in New Delhi. Republic Day parade rehearsal affects nearly 1,000 flights over Delhi airspace. The Mi-17V-5 medium-lifter was designed based on the Mi-8 airframe. The helicopter retains the outstanding performance characteristics of its predecessors and can fly in tropical and maritime climates,and desert conditions. The large cabin of the helicopter offers a floor area of 12.5m² and an effective space of 23m³. The standard portside door and ramp at rear allow for the quick ingress and egress of troops and cargo. The helicopter can be fitted with an extended starboard sliding door, rappelling and parachute equipment, searchlight, FLIR system, and emergency flotation