Mil Mi-17/Mi-8

 The Mil Mi-8 is a medium-sized, twin-turbine helicopter designed originally in the Soviet Union and currently produced by Russia. In addition to its normal role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne-armed gunship, reconnaissance platform, and command post. In addition to its nearly identical sister helicopter, the Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is one of the world’s most produced helicopters and is used by over 50 different countries. As of 2015, it was ranked as the third-most common operational military aircraft in the world. Even after 42 years, production of the Mi-8 still continues at the Kazan Helicopter Production Association.

Utilizing some of the successful internal workings of the Mi-4, the Mi-8 features a single Soloviev turbo-shaft engine of 2,700-shaft horsepower that was added to a new and enlarged fuselage. Its tail rotor easily makes the aircraft easily recognizable, as it is on the starboard side instead of the port side. The Mi-8 features a number of improvements compared to its predecessor, including a vibration damper to increase comfort for passengers and crewmembers. This helicopter is capable of carrying cargo in the cabin with half-opened/removed doors, external loads, or up to 24 passengers.

External stores are mounted on weapon racks on each side of the fuselage. The Mi-8 is provided with missiles, bombs, cannons, and small arms. It carries four B8V20 missile launchers with missiles launched with the PUS-31-71 electrical fire control system. When carrying bombs, a BDZ-57KRVM bomb attachment can carry up to 500 kilograms of cargo. This helicopter also carries four UPK-23-250 gun containers with GSh-23L 23mm guns and pivoted mounts. It may be fitted with long-range communication equipment and a radar, and may even carry phased-array antennas for the suppression of enemy electronic attack and air defense, such as airborne radars, air defense artillery weapon control radars, target detection radars, and missile radar homing heads.

 For additional information on the Mil Mi-8 or Mi-17, other military aircrafts and defense weapons, military training and education, or defense procurement services, contact the experts at UDC USA today.