Mil Mi-42

Mil

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1947
Headquarters	Soviet Union
Products	Helicopters

Template:Infobox aircraft

The Mil Mi-42 was a conceptual assault and transport helicopter designed around the NOTAR system, intended as a successor to the Mi-40 project. Due to limited customer interest in the Mi-40 and other contributing factors, the Mi-42 initiative—initially part of the Mi-40 development—was launched in 1985. However, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, both the Mi-40 and Mi-42 programs were ultimately discontinued.

Design and development

Beginning in 1985, efforts were made to advance the Mil Mi-40 concept by creating a higher-performing aircraft within the "Aerial Infantry Fighting Vehicle" category.

The helicopter’s primary missions were to deploy infantry units, facilitate rapid troop redeployment, provide escort services, deliver close air support, and execute tactical strikes. Secondary functions included equipment transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR/CSAR), reconnaissance, and communications. The design specifications demanded operational capability during day and night as well as under all weather conditions. Additional requirements called for compatibility with standard diesel fuel, ease of maintenance, and straightforward piloting.

A vectoring NOTAR system was planned to replace the conventional tail rotor. This innovation aimed to enhance durability and improve safety for personnel working near the tail section. Moreover, as aerodynamic forces increased with speed, the vectoring mechanism was intended to reorient the NOTAR nozzle rearwards to assist in achieving a target maximum velocity between 380–400 km/h (240–250 mph).

The design envisioned substantial armor protection paired with a mobile forward-firing cannon and four external hardpoints—offering armament comparable to that of the Mil Mi-28 attack helicopter.

Due to the broad and demanding requirements—which combined features of a utility truck, transport helicopter, attack platform, and strike aircraft—the design grew increasingly complex and heavy. Attempts were made to enhance propulsion systems and substitute the NOTAR with multiple powered fans. Ultimately, Mil determined that fulfilling all specifications was unfeasible. The project advanced to a mock-up phase but was apparently halted by the late 1980s. Nonetheless, there were efforts during the 1990s to revive a scaled-back version based on the Mil Mi-40 platform.

References

• VR Mikheev, "MVZ Mil – 50 years"