The MI-8 HIP is a multi-role transport helicopter capable of carring troops or supplies as well as conducting armed attackes with rockets and guns. It is often used to resupply guerrillas, insert detachments or provide close air support to attacking units. Designed as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 proved a multi-purpose machine. The cable external suspension, equipped with the weight-measuring device, makes it possible to carry large size cargoes weighing up to three tons. If required, it became both combat, rescue and artillery observation helicopter.
The large, five-blade main rotor is mounted over the engine at the body midsection, while a weapon-carrying platform is mounted at the lower body midsection. External stores are mounted on weapons racks on each side of the fuselage. The HIP C has four external hardpoints; the HIP E, HIP H, have six; other variants have none. Not all available munitions are employed at one time, mission dictates weapon configuration. Twin turboshaft engines are mounted on top of the fuselage with two round air intakes just above the cockpit and rounded exhaust ports aft. The Mi-8 is capable of single-engine flight in the event of loss of power by one engine (depending on aircraft mission weight) because of an engine load sharing system. If one engine fails, the other engines output is automatically increased to allow continued flight. The fuselage consists of a long, bus-like body with a rounded nose and glassed-in cockpit. Interior seats are removable for cargo carrying. The rear clamshell doors open, an internal winch facilitates loading of heavy freight. Floor has tiedown rings throughout.
The aircraft carries a rescue hoist capable to 150 kg, and a cargo sling system capable to 3,000 kg. Two fuel pods are offset and mounted low on the body, which features an upswept rear section and tricycle landing gear. The tail boom tapers to the small, swept-back, and tapered fin with rotor on top right or left, with small flats mounted forward of the fin.
The first Mi-8 flew in January of 1960, and by 1985, more than 1500 Mi-8 were built. Mil Moscow helicopter plant joint stock company is the major designer and producer of military transport, civil transport, heavy-lift,multi-role helicopters. Mil is associated with the Rostov and Kazan production enterprises. Kazan is the oldest helicopter manufacturing plant in Russia and makes Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters. the Mi-8 was exported to Czechoslovakia, Algeria, East Germany, Hungary, Bolivia, Poland, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Finland, and Ethiopia.
Source - [url=
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mi-8.htm] FAS [/url]
Image taken at Kabul A/F - Apr 2006
