The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name "Hip") is a large transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The first Mi-8 flew in January, 1960 and it was introduced into the Soviet Air Force by 1967. There are numerous variants, including the Mi-8T which in addition to carrying twenty four men is also armed with rockets and anti-tank guided missiles.

The Mi-8 is used by over 50 countries, including China and Iran. The latest variant, known as the Mi-8MT or Mi-17 (NATO reporting name "Hip H") is more heavily armed and was introduced in 1981. The Mi-17 is less widely used, employed by around 20 countries.

Specifications (Mil 8-T)

General Characteristics

• Crew: three, two pilots one engineer
• Capacity: Twenty four passangers or 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) on internal/external hardpoints.
• Length: 18.2 m (59 ft 8 in)
• Main rotor diameter:
• Height:
• Main rotor area: 356 m² (3,830 ft²)
• Empty: 6,990 kg (15,410 lb)
• Loaded: 11,100 kg (24,500 lb)
• Maximum takeoff: 12,000 kg (26,500 lb)
• Powerplant: 2x Klimov TV2 -117, 1,105 kW (1,482 hp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 250 km/h (156 mph)
• Range: 450 km (281 miles)
• Service ceiling: 4,500 m (14,760 ft)
• Rate of climb: 540 m/min (1,770 ft/min)
• Main rotor loading:
• Power/Mass:

Armament

• 57 mm rockets, bombs, or AT-2C/ SWATTER ATGMs.

Related content

• Related development: Mi-9 - Mi-14 - Mi-17 - Mi-18
• Comparable aircraft: Aérospatiale Puma
• Designation sequence: Mi-3 - Mi-4 - Mi-6 - Mi-8 - Mi-9 - Mi-10 - Mi-12

Photos