The US Army has actually published its own aircrew training manual for the Mi-17.

I don't think they're for covert ops, so much as they are for partnering with and training the Afghan Air Corps. At least the US-operated Mi-17s...

on the defense contractor funding list would suppress this original idea faster than the staff could call the Pentagon.

US and other partners have several transportation firms on contract to augment intratheatre heavy-lift helicopter capabaility. Nothing covert or special here, the Canadians are buying blade time to move parts, supplies, food, and people around the country; not enough Chinooks available to do the job. US just announced a 4-firm 'consortium of contract air last month.

Whenever a helicopter deal, especially a Russian helicopter deal is done, my thoughts always turn to former US Representative Curt Weldon (R-PA) and his various family members. Gettin' rich, makin' deals!

It makes logistical sense. The Mi-17 Hip is readily accessible to supply immediately; is cheap; easily maintained; and spare parts abound.

I believe the Pentagon has brokered a deal to supply the Hip to the Afghan air force. Of course in using a middle man broker, the U.S. took the cheap out of the equation - we can't help ourselves?

It excels because it's easy to fly, easy to maintain, and has exceptional high altitude performance.

Great concept, use Russian helos so no one will know if we ever decide to send American troops across the border. That is not allowed.

Like with those big explosions after a UAV is seen and heard. They can't prove the USA controls those! We are so brilliant!

The Marines have paid for over 260 V-22s, yet only ten are in Afghanistan, where most are broke down. Meanwhile, ten of the 30 remaining 45 year old Marine CH-53Ds move more cargo there in Afghanistan.

What is the largest rotorcraft in the US military? The V-22, which is heavier than the CH-53E in empty weight, but can lift only as much as a Blackhawk. Its HOGE "hover ability" at mid-weight is only around 3000 feet, compared to 12,000 feet for the 47Fs and 53Es. They list 5400 feet, but they learned that was deadly -- twice.

Perhaps Mr. Ricks will ask why the mishap report for the April CV-22 crash remains "pending", over three months past its overdue date.

1. Taliban does not use helicopters.
2. Only Mi-17 can fly on this height. Monopoly - no choise.

The European Union, led in this instance by the French and the UK, have created something called the Multi-National Helicopter Initiative (MHI) to refurbish former Warsaw Pact nations' (many of whom are now either NATO or NATO aspirant countries) helicopters and to train air and ground crews to operate to NATO and EU Battle Group standards. The program is designed to relieve some of the pressure on ISAF but the aircraft can also be used on international peacekeeping missions.

The U.S. spent $10M to refurb a handful of Ethiopian helos for use in Darfur. But so far we haven't done more. We could and should take part in MHI but also consider turning the CH-47s we are retiring over to nations like El Salvador that want to participate in peacekeeping and to support the GWOT. We missed an opportunity with the H54s that are now skeletons in the Arizona boneyard.

On the U.S. publishing a manual for the HIP: The USAF's 6th Special Operations Squadron flies MI-17s in order to become proficient at training other nations' crews to fly them.

I don't see what the big deal is. It's a quick and easy way to boost capacity. They're durable and proven in that part of the world.