Mil Mi-8 "Hip"
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant · Soviet Union · first flew 1961 · helicopter
The Mil Mi-8 is a Soviet/Russian twin-turbine transport helicopter and one of the most widely produced and versatile helicopters in history, serving in civil and military roles across more than 50 countries.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.17 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- World's most-produced helicopter with five-blade main rotor
- Twin Isotov turboshaft engines above the cabin
- Large rectangular cabin with clamshell rear doors
The five-blade main rotor, twin turboshaft engine fairings above the forward cabin, large rectangular fuselage with three-panel nose glazing, and three-blade tail rotor are all characteristic; the stub wings with weapon hardpoints distinguish armed variants.
Specifications
- The Mil Mi-8 has a length of 18.17 m (60 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.29 m (70 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 3 + up to 24 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1961, the Mi-8 entered service in 1967 and has been produced continuously in updated forms ever since. It has seen combat in every major conflict involving Soviet and Russian forces, and serves as the utility backbone of dozens of air arms worldwide.
Variants
The Mi-8T is the standard transport; the Mi-8TV is the armed assault version; the Mi-17 is the export designation for improved variants with upgraded engines and systems; numerous specialist electronic warfare, VIP, and medical versions exist.
Where you'll see it
Operated by over 50 air forces and numerous civil operators globally; seen in virtually every conflict zone since the 1970s; operated in small numbers by UK operators in civilian capacity.
Related aircraft
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