The Mil Mi-14 (Russian: Миль Ми-14, NATO reporting name: Haze) is a Soviet-designed amphibious anti-submarine helicopter with shore-based nuclear capability, developed as a derivative of the earlier Mil Mi-8 model.
Design and development
In April 1965, the Soviet Communist Party Central Committee along with the Council of Ministers approved the formal creation of an anti-submarine warfare variant based on the Mil Mi-8 transport helicopter. This initiative aimed to replace the Mil Mi-4 in short-range, coastal anti-submarine operations. The helicopter was specified to maintain a two-hour endurance while operating at a distance of approximately 222 kilometres (120 nmi; 138 mi) from its base.[1]
Designated internally as V-14, this model featured significant changes from the Mi-8, including a boat-shaped fuselage akin to that of the SH-3 Sea King, enabling water landings and takeoffs. It also incorporated a retractable four-point landing gear—the first of its kind on a Soviet helicopter—with main wheels retracting into sizable sponsons located at the rear fuselage.[2] Power was supplied by two Klimov TV3-117MT turboshaft engines.[2] Centrally mounted beneath the fuselage was a watertight weapons bay designed to carry either one torpedo or up to eight depth charges internally. Additionally, a search radar was installed within a radome positioned under the nose section.[2][3]
The crew complement consisted of four members: pilot, copilot, onboard technician, and weapons systems operator. The Mi-14PL variant specialized in anti-submarine warfare and was outfitted with radar, dipping sonar, and a magnetic anomaly detector.[4]
The initial prototype V-14, converted from a Mi-8 airframe and powered by older Klimov TV2-117 engines with less output, achieved its maiden flight on 1 August 1967.[2] Development encountered delays due to avionics challenges and engine reliability issues related to the TV3-117 powerplants. Production commenced at Kazan Helicopters in 1973, and the helicopter officially entered operational service on 11 May 1976 under the designation Mi-14.[2]
As of January 2016, Russian Helicopters indicated to Russian News Agency TASS that no definitive decision had been made regarding resuming production. However, market demand evaluations, feasibility analyses—including consultations with the defense ministry—and funding considerations were ongoing. The project remains a strategic priority for Russian Helicopters. They noted potential interest from civilian operators in Russia’s northern regions and industries involved in oil and gas supply chains, alongside continued military use. Of nearly 300 units produced at Kazan between 1973 and 1986, only about 44 are believed to remain active.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
This was the initial prototype model for the Mi-14 helicopter.[3]
Mi-14PL (NATO reporting name Haze-A)
Designed for anti-submarine warfare, this variant features a towed APM-60 MAD sensor, OKA-2 sonobuoys, and a retractable Type 12-M search radar. It is armed with either a single AT-1 or APR-2 torpedo, one Skatnuclear depth bomb, or up to eight depth charges.[3][5] One Mi-14PL was adapted for testing the Kh-23 (NATO code AS-7 Kerry) air-to-surface missile, although this modification did not enter operational service.[6]
Mi-14PLM
An enhanced anti-submarine warfare version outfitted with the Os'minog ASW suite, incorporating updated search radar, dipping sonar, and a digital computing system. This model saw limited deployment.[7]
Mi-14PŁ/R
A Polish-developed search and rescue conversion of two Mi-14PŁ helicopters (Polish designation for Mi-14PL), created in 2010 by removing ASW equipment.[8]
Mi-14BT (NATO reporting name Haze-B)
This mine-sweeping helicopter variant has had its ASW systems removed and is configured to tow Mine Countermeasures sleds. Approximately 25–30 units were produced, with six exported to East Germany and two to Bulgaria.[7]
Mi-14PS (NATO reporting name Haze-C)
A search and rescue model equipped with searchlights and sliding doors fitted with a hoist mechanism.[9]
Mi-14PX
An unofficial designation for a Polish Navy search and rescue training helicopter. One Mi-14PŁ was temporarily modified into this configuration before being restored in 1996.[8]
A firefighting amphibious adaptation of the Mi-14BT variant.[10] The conversion cost was approximately USD 1 million.
Mi-14GP
A civilian passenger transport conversion of the Mi-14PL capable of carrying between 24 and 26 passengers.[10]
Operational history
During the Syrian civil war, beginning in 2013, Syrian Navy Mi-14 helicopters were repurposed as makeshift bombers to deploy naval mines and barrel bombs from high altitudes over broad target areas, primarily focusing on cities controlled by opposition forces.[11] On 22 March 2015, one such helicopter crashed resulting in the immediate death of its pilot while the remaining crew members were captured.[12][13]
On 7 May 2022, Ukraine announced that Colonel Ihor Bedzay, deputy commander of the Ukrainian Navy, was killed when his Mi-14PS was downed by a Russian Su-35 fighter jet.[14][15] A video surfaced purportedly recorded on that date showing a Su-27 family aircraft engaging a Mi-14 using its 30 mm cannon.[16]
Operators
By the year 1991, approximately 230 units had been produced, with deliveries extending to numerous Soviet-aligned nations such as Bulgaria, Cuba, East Germany, Libya, Poland, and Syria.
Certain references list the Korean People's Army Air Force as an operator,[17] although this has been contested and identified as an error by other analysts.[19]
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