The Soviet-designed and built Mil Mi-8 'Hip' transport helicopter is one of the world's great aviation workhorses. More than 17,000 have been built since the early 1960s, and the type remains in production. From it was developed the more powerful Mi-17, first flown during 1975 and capable of carrying greater loads. Of these, in excess of 12,000 have rolled off the production lines, now including the improved Mi-171 model. One of these will attend RIAT 2016 as the support aircraft for the Croatian Air Force Krila Oluje aerobatic team, and be part of the static display in its own right. Croatia has 10 examples of the Mi-171Sh model in service, supplementing a number of earlier Mi-8s. The Mi-171Sh is distinguishable by way of its rear loading ramp (instead of clamshell doors), door gun attachments, defensive flare dispensers and other changes. Deliveries to the 93rd Air Base at Zagreb-Pleso were completed in 2008.