The Mil Mi-8 (Russian Ми-8, NATO reporting name "Hip") is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries.

The prototype V-8 was designed in 1960 based on the Mil Mi-4 with a larger cabin. Powered a 2,010 kW (2,700 shp) Soloviev turboshaft engine, the V-8 first flew in July 1961. The second prototype equipped with two 1,120 kW (1,500 shp) Isotev TV2 engines, made its first flight on 17 September 1962. For the production version the rotor was changed from a four blades to five blades in 1964. After a few changes it was introduced into the Soviet Air Force by 1967 as the Mi-8.

There are numerous variants, including the Mi-8T which is armed with rockets and anti-tank guided missiles, in addition to carrying 24 troops. The Mil Mi-17 export version is employed by around 20 countries; its equivalent in Russian service in the Mi-8M series. The naval Mil Mi-14 and attack Mil Mi-24 are also derived from the Mi-8. The Mi-8 remains in production in 2009.

Prototypes/experimental/low production rate variants

V-8 (NATO - Hip-A)

   The original single-engined prototype.

V-8A

   A twin-engined prototype, featuring TV2-117 turboshaft engines, the prototype underwent further modifications during its life.

V-8AT

   Prototype of the Mi-8T utility version.

Mi-8 (NATO - Hip-B)

   Twin-engined prototype.

Mi-8TG

   Conversion to operate on LPG gas.

Mi-18

   Prototype design, a modification of the existing Mil Mi-8. Two Mi-8s were extended by 0.9 meters (3 ft), the landing gear made retractable, and a sliding door added to the starboard side of the fuselage. The Mi-18s were used in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and later used as static training airframes for pilots of the Mi-8/17.

General characteristics

   * Crew: 3 (pilot, copilot, flight engineer)
   * Capacity:
         o 24 passengers or
         o 12 stretchers and seat for 1 medical attendant or
         o 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) on internal/external hardpoints
   * Length: 18.17 m (59 ft 7 in)
   * Rotor diameter: 21.29 m (69 ft 10 in)
   * Height: 5.65 m (18 ft 6 in)
   * Disc area: 356 m² (3,832 ft²)
   * Empty weight: 7,260 kg (16,007 lb)
   * Loaded weight: 11,100 kg (24,470 lb)
   * Max takeoff weight: 12,000 kg (26,455 lb)
   * Powerplant: 2× Klimov TV3-117Mt turboshafts, 1,454 kW (1,950 shp) each
   * Fuel max total capacity: 3,700 l (977 US gal)

Performance

   * Maximum speed: 260 km/h (140 kt)
   * Range: 450 km (280 mi)
   * Ferry range: 960 km (596 mi)