Mil Mi-4

The Mil Mi‑4, developed by Soviet designer Mikhail Mil in the early 1950s, entered service in 1952 as a versatile, medium‑lift helicopter. Originally conceived to replace the outdated Sikorsky H‑5, the Mi‑4 featured a twin‑shaft, single‑engine layout powered by a 1,700‑horsepower Shvetsov ASh-82V radial engine, giving it a maximum speed of 190 km/h and a range of 540 km. Its distinctive three‑bladed main rotor and spacious cabin allowed transport of up to 1,600 kg of cargo or twelve troops, making it suitable for troop insertion, cargo resupply, medevac, and civilian passenger duties. Over 5,000 units were built in the USSR and licensed in China as the Z-5, serving in more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The Mi‑4’s robust construction and simple maintenance earned it a reputation for reliability in harsh environments, from Arctic bases to tropical jungles. It played a pivotal role in the development of Soviet rotary‑wing doctrine, influencing later models such as the Mi‑8. Its long operational life, lasting into the 1990s in some air forces, highlights its lasting significance in aviation history.

Mikhail Mil

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