Description
The Mil Mi-8 (Russian Ми-8, NATO reporting name “Hip") is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship.The well-known helicopter series Mi-1, Mi-2 and Mi-4 (by M. L. Mil) were filled out by the multi-purpose machine Mi-8. For the prototype with one AI - 24 V engine the modified 4-blade-rotor, taken from the type Mi-4, was used. After the fly-tests, the version with two engines and 5-blade-rotor was chosen for the serie s production as necessary for the universal use of the helicopter. This version - named Mi-8 - carried out the first fly in 1962. For the first time the machine was shown at the Paris Aerosalon in 1965 and the American firm Petroleum Helicopter bought it for use as post transporter.
There are more versions of the Mi-8, which serve in the whole world from the Arctic Regions over Europe and Africa to the Antarctic.
Caused by the experiences, an improved type came to the existence - the type Mi-8/17 with more efficient engines TV-3-117 (1 670 kW = 2 225 HP). The application of these engines caused the inverse installation of the tail rotor.
The helicopter Mi-8 can be characterized as reliable “hack”, undaunted by any set task.
