USAF Special Ops Mi-171E Seen In Miami

March 07, 2018

According to Aviation Week's Military Aircraft Database, the USAF operates just a single Russian Helicopters Mi-171E. Seen recently at Miami's Opa Locka airport, this aircraft is possibly based in Northwestern Florida.

The Mi-171E taxies away from one of Opa Locka's FBOs. Photo: Nigel Howarth

As the helicopter taxies, plain-clothes crew can be seen through the open door. Photo: Nigel Howarth

The 171 lifts off, destination unknown. Photo: Nigel Howarth

Slightly less of a rarity, but also flown by U.S. Special Operations Command across the globe, is this Dornier 328/C-146 Wolfhound, seen the following day at Orlando Airport. The USAF operates 20 of these former airliners, all in this commercial-style scheme.

SOCOM Do328/C-146 Wolfhound at Orlando Airport. Photo: Nigel Howarth