Mil Mi-34

The Mil Mi‑34 is a light, single‑engine civil helicopter produced by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in the early 1990s. Development began in 1990 as a modern replacement for the aging Mi‑1, with the first prototype flying on 14 August 1993. Powered by a rotary‑shaft Ivchenko‑Progress AI‑14V-5 engine delivering 260 hp, the Mi‑34 can carry two passengers or a pilot plus one passenger, and features a spacious cabin with large glazed windows for excellent visibility. Its all‑metal semi‑monocoque airframe incorporates composite rotor blades and a four‑bladed main rotor that provides smooth handling and a maximum speed of roughly 230 km/h. The helicopter’s simple design, low operating costs, and ability to operate from unprepared fields made it attractive for flight training, aerial work, and tourism. Although only a few hundred units were built before production ceased in 2002, the Mi‑34 demonstrated Russia’s capacity to develop efficient, modern light helicopters after the Soviet era. Its ergonomic cockpit and modern avionics set a benchmark for subsequent Russian civilian rotorcraft, influencing later designs such as the Ka‑226 and the Kazan‑built Bell‑derived models. The aircraft remains a popular choice for private owners seeking reliable performance.

Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant

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Design & Classification