Academy 12371 - 1:48 Mi-17 HIP (AMK)

Plastic model kit of the Mil Mi-17 Hip transport helicopter in 1:48 scale

Academy 12371 is a kit for self-assembly representing the Mi-17 — one of the most widespread transport helicopters in the world, developed from the Mi-8 airframe and recognisable by the tail rotor moved to the left side of the tail boom. The kit is an AvantGarde Model Kits (AMK) product released under the Academy brand: a rebox of AMK 88010 with exactly the same contents, in the same box as well.

The moulds date from 2022 and were developed by AMK in cooperation with the Czech company Annetra. The kit comprises over 240 parts and offers a reproduced cargo cabin interior and engines, while the main rotor blades are moulded with a natural droop. The rear clamshell doors can be assembled open or closed, allowing the cargo compartment to be displayed. Unguided rocket pods and external fuel tanks, typical of armed and long-range Mi-17 versions, are also included.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues — over 240 parts
• Clear parts
• Photo-etched fret
• Unguided rocket pods and external fuel tanks
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 12371
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Assembled fuselage length: approx. 385 mm
• Assembled main rotor diameter: approx. 443 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (detailed interior, photo-etched parts, high parts count)

Marking options:

• Czechoslovak Air Force, 51st Helicopter Regiment, no. 0838, Prostějov, 1991
• Czech Air Force, 23rd Helicopter Base, no. 0849
• Armed Forces of North Macedonia, VAM-302 squadron, Petrovec airfield

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Given the parts count, the detailed cargo cabin interior and the photo-etched parts, we recommend this kit to modellers who already have some experience. It is worth painting and finishing the interior before closing the fuselage — once the halves are joined, access is very limited. When fitting the main rotor blades, take your time setting their position so that the moulded droop looks even across the whole rotor.

For the Czechoslovak and Czech schemes, the grey-green and grey shades used across Warsaw Pact aviation and later Czech colours work well; for the North Macedonian machine, follow the scheme given in the instructions. We suggest applying the decals over a gloss coat to limit silvering, and finishing the model with a satin varnish, which suits aircraft subjects. Landing gear, interior and weapons station details respond well to a wash. To push the level of detail further, you may consider aftermarket accessories available separately in our shop.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss and satin varnish
• Modelling wash to emphasise details and recesses

About the aircraft – Mil Mi-17:

The Mi-17 (NATO reporting name Hip-H) is a development of the Mi-8 airframe, created to improve performance in demanding conditions. The Mi-8M version was presented in 1975, and in 1981 the export designation Mi-17 was adopted; in Russian military service the type carries the designations Mi-8MT and Mi-8MTV.

The key change was the adoption of more powerful TV3-117 engines in place of the TV2-117. This brought shorter engine cowlings, dust filters ahead of the intakes and an AI-9V auxiliary power unit. The easiest visual identifier, however, is the tail rotor relocated to the left side of the tail boom. The result of the upgrade was markedly better performance at high altitude and in hot climates, which secured the type's career in Asia, Africa and South America.

The Mi-17 serves in around 60 countries in transport, assault, rescue and armed configurations. The entire Mi-8/Mi-17 family accounts for more than 17,000 airframes built, making it one of the most numerous helicopter designs in aviation history.

Original aircraft specifications (Mil Mi-17):

• Fuselage length: 18.47 m
• Main rotor diameter: 21.25 m
• Height: 5.65 m
• Empty weight: approx. 7,489 kg
• Maximum take-off weight: 13,000 kg
• Crew: 3 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer)
• Payload: 24 troops, or 12 stretchers, or 4,000 kg of cargo in the cabin (up to 4,000 kg on an external sling)
• Powerplant: 2 × Klimov TV3-117MT turboshaft engines, approx. 1,874 hp each
• Armament (armed versions): up to 6 hardpoints on side pylons — S-8 unguided rocket pods, bombs, gun pods, machine guns in the windows and nose section
• Operators: approx. 60 countries; the Mi-8/Mi-17 family — over 17,000 built

About the manufacturer – Academy:

Academy is a South Korean model kit manufacturer active since 1969 and one of the best-known modelling brands in Asia. Its catalogue covers aircraft, helicopters, military vehicles, ships and cars in the most popular modelling scales, from 1:144 to 1:32. The company consistently develops its own tooling — recent years have brought new airliner and maritime patrol aircraft kits. At the same time, Academy releases kits from other manufacturers under its own brand, which lets it quickly broaden its range with subjects outside its own catalogue; this Mi-17 is such a release, being a rebox of an AvantGarde Model Kits product. Academy kits are valued for clear instructions, well-prepared decal sheets and wide availability. The company exports worldwide and has been a fixture in model shop ranges for years.