Mil Mi-8 - Design and Development

Design and Development

The prototype V-8 was designed in 1960 based on the Mil Mi-4 with a larger cabin. Powered by a 2,010 kW (2,700 shp) Soloviev turboshaft engine, the V-8 was first shown on Soviet Aviation Day parade in July 1961. The second prototype equipped with two 1,120 kW (1,500 shp) Isotov TV2 engines, made its first flight on 17 September 1962. For the production version the rotor was changed from a four blades to five blades in 1964. After a few changes it was introduced into the Soviet Air Force by 1967 as the Mi-8.

There are numerous variants, including the Mi-8T which is armed with rockets and anti-tank guided missiles, in addition to carrying 24 troops. The Mil Mi-17 export version is employed by around 20 countries; its equivalent in Russian service in the Mi-8M series. The only visible difference between the mi-8 and mi-17 is that the tail rotor is on the starboard side (right side) of the mi-8, whereas in mi-17 it is on the left side. Also mi-17 also has some improved armour plating for its crew. The naval Mil Mi-14 and attack Mil Mi-24 are also derived from the Mi-8. The Mi-8 remains in production in 2009.