Mil Mi-8

The Mil Mi‑8, produced by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, entered service in 1967 and quickly became one of the most versatile rotorcraft in the world. Conceived as a medium‑lift transport, the twin‑engine machine was derived from the earlier Mil Mi‑4, yet incorporated a more powerful Klimov TV2‑117 turboshaft and a spacious, rectangular cabin capable of carrying up to 24 troops, 4,000 kg of cargo, or a stretch of stretch‑mounted weaponry. Its robust airframe, simple mechanical systems, and generous fuel capacity gave it a range of roughly 1,150 km and a service ceiling of 4,500 m, making it suitable for operations from austere forward bases, naval decks, and even high‑altitude plateaus. Throughout the Cold War the Mi‑8 served the Soviet armed forces as a workhorse for troop insertion, medevac, command‑and‑control, and electronic‑survey missions, while numerous export versions—designated Hip in NATO parlance—found service with over 50 nations. The type’s adaptability spawned a family of derivatives, including the gun‑armed Mi‑24 Hind and the high‑speed Mi‑17. Today the Mi‑8 remains in active use, a testament to its reliability and the enduring impact it has had on both military and civil aviation worldwide.

Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant

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