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Mil Mi-8

From Alfawiki
Mil
IndustryAerospace
Founded1957
FounderMikhail Mil
Headquarters
Soviet Union (now Russia)
ProductsHelicopters, including Mil Mi-8

Mil Mi-8 Overview

The Mil Mi-8 (Russian: Ми-8, known by NATO as Hip) is a medium-sized twin-turbine rotorcraft initially developed by the Soviet Union's TsAGI during the 1960s. It entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1968 and remains in production in Russia as of 2024. Primarily functioning as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 also serves in roles such as airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance vehicle.

With a production exceeding 17,000 units, the Mi-8 holds the distinction of being the most extensively manufactured helicopter worldwide. It is operated by more than 50 nations globally. When combined with its closely related variant, the Mil Mi-17, these helicopters rank as the third most prevalent military aircraft in active service as of 2015.

Design and development

File:Passenger cabin of Shree Airlines Helicopter.JPG
Passenger cabin of a Shree Airlines aircraft

In 1959, following the achievements of the Mil Mi-4 and the successful integration of turbine engines in the Mil Mi-6, Mikhail Mil presented a concept to the Soviet government for an entirely new twin-turbine helicopter. After extensive design and development efforts, the Mi-8 was officially inducted into the Soviet Air Force fleet in 1967.

Initially, the Soviet military resisted the introduction of a new helicopter model, satisfied with the existing Mil Mi-4. To overcome this reluctance, Mikhail Mil framed the project as an upgrade focused on incorporating modern turbine engines rather than creating a completely new aircraft. This approach convinced the council of ministers to authorize production. The engine placement allowed Mil to redesign the entire forward section of the helicopter around a single engine configuration.[1]

The initial prototype, designated V-8 and developed in 1958,[2] was based on an enlarged cabin version of the Mil Mi-4.[3] It featured a single AI-24 turboshaft engine producing 2,010 kW (2,700 shp), supplied by Soloviev.[4] The V-8 prototype completed its maiden flight in June 1961[5] and was publicly displayed during the July 1961 Soviet Aviation Day parade at Tushino.[6]

During a September 1959 visit to the United States, Nikita Khrushchev experienced a flight aboard the presidential Sikorsky S-58 helicopter and was reportedly highly impressed.[7][8] Upon returning to the USSR, Khrushchev ordered development of a comparable helicopter to be completed before an anticipated visit by the American president, aiming to avoid embarrassment.[9] A luxury variant of the Mi-4 was swiftly produced for this purpose. During an inspection flight with Khrushchev aboard, Mikhail Mil suggested that his developing helicopter design would be more appropriate but emphasized that reliability required a twin-engine setup.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

Following Khrushchev’s directive, Mil received authorization to proceed with constructing a twin-engine helicopter featuring purpose-built turbine engines—the first such Soviet design not adapted from fixed-wing aircraft powerplants (unlike those used in the Mil Mi-6 and initial V-8 prototype). Additionally, an all-new main rotor gearbox was developed internally for this project. By May 1960, official orders were placed for Mil's twin-turbine helicopter, with engine development assigned to Sergei Isotov’s Design Bureau.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

The second prototype took flight in September 1961 but still utilized a single turbine engine since Isotov’s engines were not yet ready.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

After Isotov completed their engines, the third prototype—designated V-8A—equipped with two Isotov TV2 turboshafts rated at 1,120 kW (1,500 shp) each, conducted its first flight on August 2, 1962. Piloted by Nikolai Ilyushin, this marked the inaugural Soviet helicopter flight powered by dedicated gas turbine engines.[3] Factory testing concluded by February 1963.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

In 1963, the fourth prototype was tailored as a VIP transport model featuring several modifications: replacement of four-bladed rotor with a five-blade system to diminish vibrations; substitution of cockpit doors with blister perspex sliding panels; and addition of a sliding cabin door.[3]

The fifth and final prototype served as a mass production model aimed at passenger transport markets. By November 1964, all joint testing phases were complete and mass production commenced at Kazan Production Plant. The first production unit was finalized before year-end 1965.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

File:Миль Ми-8-9-17-18-19-171-172 94620, Нежин RP130465.jpg
Cockpit view

Initially indifferent about adopting the Mi-8, Soviet military interest surged only after observing how effectively the Bell UH-1 enhanced United States troop mobility during the Vietnam War. This prompted rapid development of a troop transport variant of the Mil Mi-8 that entered service with the Soviet Air Force by 1967.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

Numerous variants exist including the Mi-8T, which carries up to 24 soldiers and is armed with rockets as well as anti-tank guided missiles. The export version known as Mil Mi-17 is operated by approximately twenty nations; its counterpart in Russian service is classified under the Mi-8M series. Distinguishing features between Mi-8 and Mi-17 include: A) tail rotor placement (right side on Mi-8 versus left side on Mi-17), B) exhaust outlet shape (circular on Mi-8 compared to oval on Mi-17), and C) presence of dust shields ahead of engine air intakes on Mi-17 models. Additionally, improved crew armor plating is incorporated into the Mi-17 design. The naval variant Mil Mi-14 also traces its lineage back to the Mi-8.[10]

Continuous enhancements have kept the Mi-8 in production through 2024. Notably, second-generation models adopted a tractor-style tail rotor configuration due to its superior yaw control capabilities derived from increased airflow over upward-moving rotor blades interacting with downwash. In contrast, pusher tail rotors have advancing blades moving downward which reduces airflow velocity and thus diminishes yaw effectiveness.[10] Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

Finland

File:Mi-8 kuljetushelikopteri.jpg
Finnish Mi-8 stationed in Hernesaari, Helsinki, 2005

The Finnish Defence Forces alongside the Finnish Border Guard introduced Mi-8 helicopters in the 1970s. The Finnish Air Force took delivery of its initial Mi-8, designated HS-2, on 28 May 1973, followed shortly by another unit, HS-1, on 31 May 1973. Initially, six Mi-8T models were acquired, with an additional two Mi-8Ts and two Mi-8Ps obtained later. Out of these, three helicopters were allocated to the Border Guard Wing. One helicopter was lost in April 1982 after breaking through ice during a landing; it was promptly replaced by a new Mi-8.

Following their service with the Border Guard, these helicopters were registered for civilian use but were soon reassigned to the Finnish Air Force. In 1997, a decision was made to transfer all remaining helicopters—including five Mi-8Ts and two Mi-8Ps—to the Army Wing based at Utti. All Finnish Mi-8s have since been retired from active duty. Currently, one Mi-8 is exhibited at the Finnish Aviation Museum in Vantaa, another is preserved at the Päijänne Tavastia Aviation Museum located in Asikkala, near Lahti, and a Mi-8T is displayed in Tuulos. The last two Mi-8Ts, along with all remaining spare parts, were handed over to Hungary in August 2011.

Georgia

The Georgian Air Force began operating Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters starting in 1991. During the War in Abkhazia (1992–1993), both factions deployed Mi-8 helicopters. Several of these aircraft were downed during the conflict; notably, the first loss was a Georgian civilian Mi-8T destroyed by an RPG-7 in Sukhumi. On 14 December 1992, a Russian Air Force Mi-8T was shot down near Lata by a SA-14 missile.

In other incidents during 1993, Abkhazian forces lost Mi-8MTVs to Georgian troops—one was brought down by a SA-14 missile and another by an RPG-18. In a tragic event towards the end of the conflict, a Georgian Mi-8MTV transporting civilian refugees was shot down, resulting in 25 fatalities. Presently, approximately 20 Mi-8T/MTVs remain operational within the Georgian Air Force and Police units.

India

During the 1970s, the Indian Air Force incorporated the Mi-8 helicopter into its expanding rotary-wing fleet, which developed in a largely uncoordinated manner without centralized strategic planning. Obtained primarily through geopolitical arrangements and immediate operational requirements, the Mi-8 served as the principal medium-lift aircraft until it was eventually replaced by the Mi-17.

Iraq

The Mi-8 helicopters were operated by both the Iraqi Army Aviation and the Iraqi Air Force during Saddam Hussein's regime. Throughout the 1980s Iran–Iraq War, aerial engagements took place between Iraqi Mi-8s and Iranian Army Aviation helicopters, including confrontations involving Iranian Bell AH-1J Cobras.

South Sudan

On 21 December 2012, a Mi-8 helicopter owned by Nizhnevartovskavia and assigned to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was downed near Likuangole in Jonglei, South Sudan, amid ongoing internal conflict. All four Russian crew members perished. After initial uncertainty, a UN spokesperson confirmed on 22 December that the South Sudanese military acknowledged mistakenly firing on the aircraft.

Later, on 26 August 2014, another Mi-8 operated by UTair Aviation for the United Nations crashed while nearing a landing zone close to Bentiu. This incident resulted in three fatalities among the Russian crew and one injury. Rebel leader Peter Gadet asserted that his forces had shot down the helicopter using a rocket-propelled grenade.

Soviet Union

The Mi-8 series emerged as the principal helicopter for the Soviet Union—and subsequently Russia—fulfilling a diverse array of missions during both peacetime and conflict. Extensive fleets of Mi-8s and their variants were operated by military forces as well as civilian agencies.

During the 1980s Soviet–Afghan War, numerous Mi-8 helicopters were deployed extensively. Their robust design facilitated easier maintenance and operational capability within the combat zone. Despite their durability, many Mi-8s were lost, with several being downed by hostile fire, making this model the most frequently lost aircraft type for Soviet forces in Afghanistan.

In the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster in April and May 1986, large numbers of Mi-8 helicopters were tasked with dispersing radiation-absorbing substances into reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The firefighting effort involved helicopters delivering over 5,000 metric tons of materials such as sand, lead, clay, and neutron-capturing boron, in addition to injecting liquid nitrogen into the reactor. Most of these helicopters became heavily contaminated by radiation and were subsequently abandoned in what became known as the "machines cemetery" near Chernobyl. Some of these aircraft later disappeared from the site. During these operations, one Mi-8 collided with a construction crane cable near the power plant, resulting in a fatal crash that claimed all four crew members. It has since been established that almost none of the neutron-absorbing materials actually reached the reactor core.

Ukraine

File:UA004-16.jpg
Mi-8MSB featured on a 2016 Ukrainian postage stamp

On 16 August 2013, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced that an Mi-8MSB helicopter achieved a world altitude record of 9,150 metres (30,020 ft) at the Kirovske military airfield on 15 August.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces employed Mi-8MSB helicopters alongside Mi-24s during campaigns against separatist factions in Eastern Ukraine amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. On 29 May 2014, a Ukrainian National Guard Mi-8 was shot down near Slavyansk by Russian separatist forces in Donbas using MANPADS, resulting in 12 fatalities including an Army general and one serious injury. A similar incident occurred on 24 June 2014 when another National Guard Mi-8 was downed near Slavyansk by separatist forces with nine personnel killed. During the Siege of Mariupol, Ukrainian forces utilized approximately sixteen Mi-8 helicopters multiple times to supply troops at the Azovstal iron and steel works and reinforce the Azov Regiment, with two helicopters lost to enemy fire. On 5 April, Russia claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian Mi-8s allegedly evacuating Azov Regiment commanders. In late August 2023, Ukrainian Intelligence collaborated with Russian defector Maksym Kuzminov who delivered a Mi-8AMTSh helicopter to Ukrainian forces.

On 16 October 2023, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade had successfully downed a Mi-8 helicopter; however, no specific location was provided. According to data from the Oryx database, a total of 63 Mi-8 helicopters have been destroyed during the conflict in Ukraine—29 belonging to Ukrainian forces and 34 to Russian forces.

On 31 July 2024, Ukrainian FPV drones reportedly destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter over occupied Donetsk territory—the first documented instance of a helicopter being taken down by drones in combat. The attack is believed to have occurred while the helicopter was either landing or taking off.

Later, on 31 December 2024, Ukrainian intelligence sources confirmed that a Russian Mi-8 was shot down near Cape Tarkhankut, Crimea by a MAGURA V5 sea drone armed with R-73 Sea Dragon missiles; another helicopter sustained damage but managed to return to base.

As of 17 November 2025, Ukraine has reported losses of 28 Mi-8 helicopters with one additional damaged since the onset of the Russian invasion. Russian losses include 41 destroyed helicopters, 12 damaged, and one lost due to defection.

On 6 June 2025, a Russian Mi-8 was destroyed at Bryansk International Airport following an attack by a Ukrainian drone; a nearby Russian Mi-35 was also damaged during this operation.

On 29 September 2025, the 59th Assault Brigade successfully eliminated a Russian Mi-8 near Kotliarivka village in Donetsk Oblast using an inexpensive FPV drone valued at approximately $500, as reported by Major Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces.

United States

In the early phase of Operation Enduring Freedom, the CIA and US Special Forces heavily relied on Mi-17 and Mi-8 helicopters to support the Northern Alliance in their campaign against the Taliban.

As of 2022, several Mi-8s and Mi-17s remain in use by various US government agencies.

Yugoslavia

File:Mi-8 Croatian airforce.jpg
Croatian Mil Mi-8MTV-1
File:Mi-8T 12411 V i PVO VS, august 04, 2008.JPG
Serbian Mi-8T cargo helicopter

Between May 1968 and May 1969, the SFR Yugoslav Air Force acquired 24 Mi-8T (Hip C) transport helicopters to establish two squadrons within the newly created 119th transport regiment based at Niš military airport, each squadron consisting of 12 aircraft. Additional Mi-8T helicopters were procured from 1973 through the early 1980s to re-equip two squadrons of the 111th regiment stationed at Pleso military airport near Zagreb and the 790th squadron at Divulje military airport near Split, which operated under the command of the Yugoslav Navy. Altogether, Yugoslavia received a total of 92 Mi-8Ts, designated HT-40 by the Yugoslav People's Army, with some units modified locally into electronic warfare variants known as HT-40E. Approximately 40 of these helicopters were outfitted for firefighting duties.

The initial combat deployment of Yugoslav Mi-8s occurred during the Ten-Day War on 27 June 1991, when they transported troops from the Yugoslav People's Army and federal police to border posts in Slovenia. During this operation, members of the Slovenian Territorial Defence engaged with Strela 2 MANPAD missiles and successfully downed one helicopter, resulting in total fatalities among crew and passengers.

Throughout winter 1991 in the Croatian war and spring 1992 in the Bosnian War, Mi-8 helicopters were utilized by the Yugoslav People's Army for evacuating wounded personnel, transporting supplies, and conducting search and rescue missions for downed aircrews. Most flights took place behind frontline positions, limiting Croatian forces to only one confirmed shootdown caused by small arms fire near Slavonski Brod on 4 October 1991.

Following the establishment of the Republika Srpska by Bosnian Serbs in spring 1992, some former Yugoslav Air Force Mi-8s continued operations within Republika Srpska's armed forces. The 82nd mixed helicopter squadron of the 92nd aviation brigade operated a fleet of 12 Mi-8T helicopters until Operation Koridor. During this period, three Mi-8s were lost due to hostile fire. Additionally, three helicopters painted in blue and white served with the initial segment of the 56th helicopter squadron belonging to the Krajina Milicija, operating primarily from Udbina military airport in Lika. Despite maintenance challenges and spare parts shortages, the Republika Srpska Air Force maintained nine helicopters until its official disbandment in 2006.

Conversely, Mi-8 helicopters also played a key role as primary air transport assets for opposing forces. The Croatian National Guard gained its first Mi-8 on 23 September 1991 near Petrinja, when a damaged Yugoslav Air Force Mi-8 made an emergency landing after sustaining small-arms fire. Throughout the conflict, six additional Mi-8T and eighteen Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters were acquired from former Warsaw Pact countries; sixteen were operationally deployed while others served as parts donors. Post-war, Mi-8Ts were retired from Croatian Air Force service whereas Mi-8MTVs continued active duty within the 20th and 28th Transport Helicopter Squadrons. The latter squadron has since transitioned to new Mi-171Sh helicopters procured from Russia.

The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina clandestinely obtained various models including Mi-8T, Mi-8MTV, and Mi-17 helicopters from multiple sources. Two aircraft were shot down by Serb air defenses—one near Žepa—and another Mi-17 was destroyed by a 2K12 Kub M missile strike that resulted in the deaths of Bosnian Foreign Affairs Minister Irfan Ljubijankić, several politicians, and its Ukrainian crew. Some Croatian-supplied Mi-8MTVs covertly supported operations conducted by the Croatian Defence Council in Herceg Bosna. After hostilities ceased, remaining aircraft operated by the Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina included five Mi-8MTVs and one Mi-8T within their Air Force and Air Defense Brigade under the unified Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In 2001, the North Macedonian Air Force purchased two Mi-8MT helicopters from Ukraine, which serve within their Transport Helicopter Squadron (formerly known as 301. Transport Helicopter Squadron). One helicopter crashed in January 2008 resulting in fatalities for all eight passengers and three crew members.

During the course of the Kosovo War (1998–1999), the Federal Yugoslav Air Force deployed Mi-8 helicopters to transport personnel and supplies to units stationed in remote mountainous terrain. They also conducted medical evacuations during the NATO bombing campaign in 1999 by flying at low altitudes to evade detection. That year, Yugoslav Mi-8s successfully downed at least one US Army Hunter UAV using a door gunner’s 7.62 mm machine gun. Additionally, two Mi-17V helicopters secretly operated by Serbia’s post-1997 Special Operations Unit participated actively during this conflict; after this unit’s disbandment in 2003, these helicopters were transferred to Serbia and Montenegro's air force.

By mid-2020, the successor to the Federal Yugoslav Air Force—the Serbian Air Force—operated a limited number of Mi-8T helicopters which are gradually being replaced by newer Mi-17 models. Currently, there are thirteen Mi-17s assigned across two units: the 138th Mixed Transport Aviation Squadron at 204th Air Base and the 119th Combined-Arms Helicopter Squadron (formerly part of the 199th regiment) located at 98th Air Base.

Other Instances

  • Canada – When Canadian combat troops were deployed to engage the Taliban in Afghanistan, they found their operational mobility reliant on leased helicopter support. In 2007, the Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay, declared the leasing of 6 to 8 Mi-8 helicopters, specifically Kazan Helicopters Mi-17-V5 models,[11] until 6 interim CH-47D helicopters were introduced in 2008,[12][13] followed by the delivery of 15 newly built CH-47F models in 2013, operated by the RCAF.[14]
  • Poland – On December 4, 2003, a Polish Mi-8 helicopter crashed near Piaseczno while transporting Prime Minister Leszek Miller, along with ten other passengers and four crew members. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The accident was attributed to engine icing. Although the pilot faced accusations of causing the crash, he was ultimately acquitted.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
  • Syria – In October 1973 during the Yom Kippur War, Syrian forces deployed special operations troops behind Israeli Defense Forces positions on the Golan Heights at locations including Mt. Hermon, Tel Fares, Vaset, Nafach, and Ein Zivan – A Dalve.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
  • Yemen – On November 19, 2023, Houthi insurgents employed a captured Mi-17 helicopter to execute an air assault that resulted in the boarding and capture of the Japanese-owned cargo vessel Galaxy Leader.[15][16]
  • Vietnam – On November 22, 1992, a Vietnamese Mi-8 helicopter departed from Hanoi carrying rescue personnel for Flight 474, but crashed near Ô Kha mountain on that same day. All seven occupants on board lost their lives.

Variants

For more information on Mi-8M series, see Mil Mi-17.

Template:More citations needed section

Prototypes, Experimental Models, and Limited Production

V-8 (NATO reporting name – Hip-A)
The initial prototype powered by a single engine.
V-8A
A prototype equipped with two TV2-117 turboshaft engines, which underwent several modifications throughout its development.
V-8AT
Prototype version of the Mi-8T designed for utility purposes.
Mi-8 (NATO reporting name – Hip-B)
Prototype featuring twin engines.
Mi-8TG
Adapted to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Mi-18
Experimental variant derived from the Mil Mi-8, involving the extension of two Mi-8 airframes by 0.9 meters (3 feet), installation of retractable landing gear, and addition of a sliding door on the right side of the fuselage. These aircraft were deployed during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and later served as stationary training platforms for pilots operating Mi-8/17 helicopters.

Standard Military Transport and Airframe Variants

Mi-8T (NATO reporting name – Hip-C)
The first widely produced utility transport model, capable of carrying four UV-16-57 unguided rocket pods loaded with S-5 rockets on four hardpoints attached to two outrigger pylons, and armed with one or two side-mounted PK machine guns.
Mi-8TV
An armed variant based on the Mi-8T platform.
Mi-8TVK (NATO reporting name – Hip-E, also known as Mi-8TB)
Gunship or close air support version featuring two additional external hardpoints for a total of six and equipped with a flexible 12.7 mm KV-4 machine gun mounted in the nose. Its armament includes 57 mm S-5 rockets, six UV-32-57 rocket pods, 551-lb (250-kg) bombs, or four AT-2 Swatter anti-tank guided missiles.
Mi-8TBK (NATO reporting name – Hip-F)
Export-oriented armed variant outfitted with six launch rails designed to deploy Malyutka missiles.

Command and Electronic Warfare Variants

Mi-8IV (NATO reporting name – Hip-G, also referred to as Mi-9)
Airborne command post equipped with the "Ivolga" system, identifiable by antennas and a Doppler radar mounted on the tail boom.
Mi-8PP (NATO reporting name – Hip-K)
Electronic warfare platform fitted with the "Polye" jamming system. From 1980 onward, it was upgraded with the "Akatsiya" system and redesignated as Mi-8PPA. Distinguished by six X-shaped antennas on each side of the rear fuselage, this model was designed to accompany troop transport variants and jam radar systems of nearby self-propelled anti-aircraft guns such as the Flakpanzer Gepard.
Mi-8PD
Polish airborne command post variant.
Mi-8SMV (NATO reporting name – Hip-J)
Electronic countermeasures helicopter equipped with the "Smalta-V" system, marked by two small boxes on each side of the fuselage. It provides protection for ground attack aircraft against hostile air defenses.
Mi-8VKP (NATO reporting name – Hip-D, also known as Mi-8VzPU)
Communications platform featuring rectangular communication pods mounted on weapon racks and two frame-type antennas above the rear fuselage.

Additional Military Versions

File:Mi-8 helicopter cockpit.png
Cockpit of a Mi-8 helicopter
Mi-8AD
Mine-laying variant equipped with four VSM-1 dispensers.
Mi-8AV
Mine deployment version utilizing VMR-1 or VMR-2 systems capable of releasing 64 or 200 anti-tank mines respectively.
Mi-8BT
Specialized mine-clearing helicopter.
Mi-8MB "Bissektrisa"
Configured as a military ambulance.
Mi-8R (also known as Mi-8GR)
Tactical reconnaissance model fitted with the Elint system "Grebeshok-5".
Mi-8K
Artillery observation and reconnaissance configuration.
Mi-8SMT
Military staff transport variant featuring enhanced radio equipment models R-832 and R-111.
Mi-8SKA
Designed for photo-reconnaissance missions.
Mi-8SP
Spacecraft tracking and recovery version.
Mi-8T(K)
Another photo-reconnaissance model.
Mi-8TZ
Fuel transport tanker configuration.
Mi-8TB
Developed in the GDR specifically tailored for military requirements there. It was equipped with various missile and bomb systems including S-5 missiles and FAB-500 bombs for engaging ground targets. These adaptations effectively made it a "transport bomber," which is reflected in its "TB" designation.
Mi-8MTYu
A unique unit operated by the Ukrainian Air Force, based at AB "Kirovske". Designed for detection of re-entry vehicles and small surface targets, it featured a radar antenna mounted in the nose section.
Mi-8MSB
Modernized passenger transport variant intended for civil aviation use.
Mi-8MSB-V
Upgraded multipurpose helicopter developed for service within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Civil

File:Ukrainian MChS Mil Mi-8 Belyakov.jpg
Mi-8MSB of the Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency Situations collecting water for aerial firefighting missions.
Mi-8T (NATO reporting name – Hip-C)
Designed for both civilian and military utility transport, this variant accommodates 24 passengers on tip-up seats arranged along the cabin walls. It features round windows and large rear clamshell doors with an angled hinge. Powered by two Klimov TV2-117A turboshaft engines producing 1677 shp each, it achieves a top speed of 155 mph at sea level.
Mi-8P
A civil passenger transport model seating between 28 and 32 individuals, equipped with square cabin windows, smaller rear clamshell doors hinged vertically, and a horizontally split rear airstair door positioned centrally. It is powered by dual Klimov TV2-117A engines rated at 1700 hp each.
Mi-8S "Salon"
VIP civilian transport variant accommodating 9 to 11 passengers, featuring amenities such as a galley and lavatory.
Mi-8MPS
Search and rescue configuration, commonly operated by Malaysia's Fire and Rescue Department.
Mi-8MA
Specialized for polar expeditions in Arctic conditions.
Mi-8MT
Configured as a flying crane.
Mi-8AT
Civil transport version outfitted with upgraded TV2-117AG turboshaft engines.
Mi-8ATS
Agricultural model equipped with a hopper and spray booms.
Mi-8TL
Dedicated to air accident investigation tasks.
Mi-8TM
Enhanced transport version featuring weather radar installation.
Mi-8TS
Adapted for operations in hot, high-altitude desert environments.
Mi-8VIP
Luxury VIP transport capable of seating 7 to 9 passengers.
Mi-8PA
Customized to comply with Japanese regulations; only one unit was manufactured in 1980. It served Aero Asahi for heavy cargo transport in mountainous terrain before retirement in 1993 and subsequent display at the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum.

Accidents and incidents

Date Model Description Location Fatalities
1 November 1974 Mil Mi-8T Mid-air collision with an Antonov An-2 Surgut, Soviet Union All 24 occupants of the helicopter and all 14 on the An-2 perished
18 September 1981 Mil Mi-8T Mid-air collision involving a Yakovlev Yak-40 East of Zheleznogorsk-Ilimsky, Russia Fatalities included all seven crew aboard the helicopter and all thirty-three on the Yak-40
2 October 1986 Mil Mi-8 Collision with crane cables caused by sun glare during Chernobyl disaster response Near Chernobyl reactor 4 All four crew members died
17 September 2001 Mil Mi-8 Shot down by Chechen militants Grozny, Chechnya, Russia All 13 individuals on board were killed
27 January 2002 Mil Mi-8 Shot down incident Shelkovskaya, Nadterechny District, Russia Entire crew of 14 perished
4 December 2003 Mil Mi-8P Crash near Piaseczno Poland Between eight and fourteen injured including Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller
11 September 2006 Mil Mi-8 Shot down by Kataib al-Khoul militants Near Vladikavkaz, Russia Twelve fatalities out of sixteen onboard
23 September 2006 Mil Mi-8 MTV 1 Crash during flight operations Ghunsa, Nepal All 24 aboard lost their lives
27 April 2007 Mil Mi-8 Crash near Shatoy village Chechnya, Russia Fatalities included all twenty passengers and crew
3 June 2007 Mil Mi-8 Crash at Lungi airport Sierra Leone All twenty-two occupants died
7 April 2013 Mil Mi-8PS Crash in Loreto region Peru All thirteen onboard perished
2 July 2013 Mil Mi-8 Crash near Deputatsky settlement Sakha Republic, Russia Twenty-four fatalities among twenty-eight passengers and crew
21 October 2016 Mil Mi-8T Crash during Skol Airlines flight operation Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Siberia, Russia Nineteen out of twenty-two onboard were killed
12 August 2021 Mil Mi-8T Crash into Kurile Lake during Vityaz-Aero operation Kamchatka Krai, Russia Eight fatalities reported
31 August 2024 Mil Mi-8T Crash on Kamchatka Peninsula Russia All twenty-two occupants lost their lives
28 September 2024 Mil Mi-8 MTV-1 Crash in Waziristan region Pakistan Six fatalities among fifteen onboard

Operators

Main article: List of Mil Mi-8/17 operators
File:Mil Mi-8 Users.png
Operators
  Active
  Previous

Former users

Specifications (Mi-8MT)

File:Mil Mi-8 HIP.png
Three-view illustration of the Mil Mi-8

Template:Aircraft specs

See also

Template:Aircontent

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named mi-helicopter.ru
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Donald, David, ed. "Mil Mi-8". The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.
  4. ↑ Frawley, Gerald (2002). "Mil Mi-8 & Mi-17". The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003. Fishwick, Act: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  7. ↑ Sikorsky, Sergei I. "The Sikorsky Legacy". Arcadia Publishing, 2007. ISBN 978-0-7385-4995-8.
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  11. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  12. ↑ accessed 7 Apr 2021 https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/Canadian-Chinook-Afghanistan/
  13. ↑ accessed 7 Apr 2021 https://www.helis.com/database/news/canada_afglease/
  14. ↑ accessed 7 Apr 2021https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada-to-lease-russian-made-helicopters-mackay-1.312337
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  17. ↑ 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 17.12 17.13 17.14 17.15 17.16 17.17 17.18 17.19 17.20 17.21 17.22 17.23 17.24 17.25 17.26 17.27 17.28 17.29 17.30 17.31 17.32 17.33 17.34 17.35 17.36 17.37 17.38 17.39 17.40 17.41 17.42 17.43 17.44 17.45 17.46 17.47 17.48 17.49 17.50 17.51 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named World Air Forces 2013
  18. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  19. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  20. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  21. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  22. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named IAF2024
  23. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  24. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  25. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  26. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  27. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named thedrive1

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