The Mil Mi-2 (known by NATO as the Hoplite) is a compact, three-bladed rotor helicopter designed in the Soviet Union for versatile use. Conceived during the early 1960s by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, it was manufactured exclusively by Poland's PZL-Świdnik facility. Production ended in 1999 after nearly 5,500 units were built, with many still operational worldwide.[1][2]
Design and development
Manufacturing of the Mi-2 took place solely at the WSK PZL-Świdnik plant located in Świdnik, Poland.[1]
The initial Soviet helicopter production was marked by the Mil Mi-1, which drew inspiration from models like the Sikorsky S-51 and Bristol Sycamore, and was first flown under Mikhail Mil's design bureau in September 1948. By the 1950s, it became clear—reinforced by developments from American and French programs—that turbine engines significantly enhanced helicopter performance. The GTD-350 turbine engine, developed by S. P. Isotov, was incorporated in pairs on the Mi-2, resulting in substantial improvements.[1]Template:Additional citations needed
The Mi-2’s twin shaft-turbine powerplants deliver approximately 40% more output than the piston engines of the Mi-1 while weighing less than half as much. This change effectively more than doubled its payload capacity. Although its fuselage underwent significant redesign with engines mounted above the cabin, its overall size remained comparable to that of its predecessor.[1]Template:Additional citations needed
The prototype constructed by Mil had its maiden flight in the Soviet Union on 22 September 1961. Following this, final development stages and production responsibilities were transferred to Poland in 1964. The first example produced at Świdnik took flight on 4 November 1965. Notably, this model is the only Soviet-origin helicopter manufactured entirely outside Soviet territory. PZL-Świdnik completed production of a total of 5,497 units, with roughly one-third allocated to military operators. The manufacturer also innovated fiberglass rotor blades and introduced a wide-body Mi-2M variant capable of seating ten passengers instead of eight. Common mission-specific kits include configurations for four stretchers for medical evacuation or equipment for agricultural spraying or dusting tasks.[1][3]
In Poland during the early 1970s, several specialized military variants were developed for roles such as support and training. These versions were equipped with armaments including a 23 mm autocannon, machine guns, two rocket pods firing 57 mm rockets, four 9K11 Malyutka anti-tank guided missiles, or Strela-2 surface-to-air missiles.[4]
Operational history
The Mi-2 helicopter was initially introduced into service with the Soviet Air Force in 1965. Primarily operated by nations from the former Soviet bloc and Eastern Bloc, the Mi-2 was also acquired by military forces such as those of Mexico and Myanmar.
The majority of armed Mi-2 models were deployed by Poland, while a limited number served in the former East Germany, where they were equipped solely with 7.62 mm machine guns and 57 mm unguided rockets.
A significant number of Mi-2 helicopters remain active within the fleet of North Korea.
During the 2022 conflict involving Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops reportedly seized three Mi-2 helicopters at Kherson International Airport.
In Ukraine, private operators utilize the Mi-2 for agricultural purposes, including spraying chemicals. In 2021, a crash near Zaive in the Mykolaiv region resulted in two fatalities. Another accident involving a Mi-2 from Kharkiv Air Force University's 203rd Training Aviation Brigade occurred in September 2024, claiming two lives.
On 26 October 2024, a medical variant of the Mi-2 crashed in Russia’s Kirov region, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants: a pilot, a doctor, and two paramedics.
By 8 March 2025, Ukraine had lost a total of six Mi-2 helicopters during ongoing hostilities, including three units captured by Russian forces.
Version configured as an aerial minelayer, featuring 20 tube launchers mounted on external pods and the left cab door, each launcher carrying six or nine mines. From 1989, 18 units were converted for use by the Polish Army.
Mi-2A
Mi-2B
Enhanced export model tailored for Middle Eastern customers, equipped with advanced systems and navigation aids.
Mi-2Ch Chekla
Designed for chemical reconnaissance and smoke screen deployment.
Mi-2D Przełącznik
Aerial command post variant fitted with R-111 radio equipment.
Mi-2FM
Configured for survey missions.
Mi-2P
A passenger and cargo model accommodating six passengers.
Mi-2R
Intended for agricultural applications.
Mi-2RL
Land-based rescue and ambulance version.
Mi-2RM
Sea rescue model, equipped with an electric winch capable of handling two individuals and deployable rafts.
Mi-2Ro
Reconnaissance helicopter outfitted with cameras.
UMi-2Ro
Trainer variant for reconnaissance roles.
Mi-2RS Padalec (Slowworm)
A chemical and biological hazard reconnaissance configuration.
Mi-2S
Air ambulance variant, capable of transporting four stretchers along with a medical attendant.
Mi-2Sz
Dual-control model intended for training purposes.
Mi-2T
Cargo and utility helicopter version.
Mi-2U
Dual-control trainer variant.
Mi-2US
Armed version armed with a fixed 23mm NS-23 cannon, four 7.62mm PKT machine gun pods, and an optional cabin-mounted PK machine gun. A total of 30 were manufactured for the Polish Army between 1972 and 1973. A similar version without the cannon was produced for East Germany.
Mi-2URN Żmija (Viper)
Armed configuration featuring a fixed 23mm NS-23 cannon and two pods each carrying 16×57mm S-5 unguided rockets (Mars-2). An optional window-mounted 7.62mm PK machine gun was also available. Seven units were built in 1973, with an additional eighteen converted from Mi-2US models for the Polish Army. A comparable variant without the cannon was produced for East Germany.
Mi-2URP Salamandra (Salamander)
Anti-tank helicopter equipped with a 23mm NS-23 cannon, optional window-mounted 7.62mm PK machine gun, four AT-3 Sagger (9M14M Malutka) wire-guided missiles mounted externally, plus four additional missiles stored internally. Two units were converted and forty-four newly built between 1975 and 1984 for Polish Army service.
Mi-2URP-G Gniewosz (Smooth snake)
A modification of the Mi-2URP fitted with an extra four Strela 2 (Strzała-2) surface-to-air missiles housed in two Gad rocket launchers. Six helicopters were rebuilt in 1988.
Mi-2 Plus
An upgraded Mi-2 featuring enhanced GTD-350W2 engines, composite rotor blades, updated avionics, and other improvements.
A proposed derivative of the Mi-2 that was discontinued due to lack of suitable engines.
Mi-2MSB or MSB-2 Nadia (Hope)
A modernization carried out by Motor Sich, converting the helicopter into a passenger transport model for civil aviation use.
Mi-2MSB-V or MSB-2MO
A further upgrade by Motor Sich for the Ukrainian Air Force, replacing the original engine with an AI-450M rated at 465 hp (347 kW). This version is armed with rocket and machine gun pods and includes infrared jamming systems along with flare dispensers to defend against MANPADS.
Six units in total are operated exclusively by civilian firms. The Sky company (previously Star Aerospace and Star Airline) owns three and leases one aircraft. Pearl Korea and Heliworld each possess one unit.[13]
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