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.
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