Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 (Russian: Ми-8, NATO reporting name: Hip) is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s and introduced into the Soviet Air Force in 1968. It is now produced by Russia. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform.
| Mil Mi-8 | |
|---|---|
| Mil Mi-8 of Baltic Airlines taking off at Peter and Paul Fortress in Saint Petersburg | |
| Role | Transport helicopter (also several armed versions) |
| National origin | Soviet Union/Russia |
| Manufacturer | Kazan Helicopter Plant Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant |
| Design group | Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant |
| First flight | 7 July 1961 |
| Introduction | 1967 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Soviet Union
Indian Air Force
(historical) |
| Produced | 1961–present |
| Number built | >17,000 and production continues today; world's most-produced helicopter |
| Variants | Mil Mi-8M/Mi-17 |
| Developed into | Mil Mi-14 |
Along with the related, more powerful Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is among the world's most-produced helicopters, used by over 50 countries. As of 2015, when combined the two helicopters are the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.