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The Mil Mi-8T is a 24-seat multi-role transport helicopter powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM turboshaft engines.
Originally designed by the Soviet Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) in the 1960s and introduced into the Soviet Air Force in 1968.
The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name 'Hip') was evolved from the piston-engined Mil Mi-4. The prototype
flew first on 24 June 1961 powered by a single 2700 shp Soloviev AI-24V turboshaft mounted above the cabin.
The 4-blade rotor system was generally similar to that of the Mil Mi-4. The second machine, with the single
Soloviev supplanted by a pair of two 1400 shp Isotov TV2-117 turbines, flew first on 17 September 1962.
In 1963, the 5-blade rotor that became standard for the production machines replaced the 4-blade rotor.
The Mil Mi-8 has a basic crew of two with provision for a third crewmember, a cabin for 28 passengers or, in
the ambulance role 12 casualty stretchers and two medical attendants. The Mi-8 was exported to over 50 countries.
In 1981, the Mi-8 was replaced in production by the re-engined Mi-17 that was flown first in 1980 as the Mi-8MT
(Modified Transport). The Mi-17-1V is the export equivalent of the Mil Mi-8MTV-1.
Over 12000 Mi-8s and Mi-17s were built.
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Mil Mi-8T helicopters is MI8 |
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The 1975-built Mil Mi-8T s/n 10546 entered service with the NVA LSK/LV (East German AF) HG 34 as '931' in November 1975.
From August 1979, the NVA-931 was operated by HTG 34. In March 1990, Mil Mi-8T '931' was modified for SAR duties. After
German reunification in 1990, the Luftwaffe assumed control over the NVA equipment and many of the GDR's military aircraft
were declared obsolete or incompatible with NATO technical standards and withdrawn from use or sold. However, code '93+17'
was alloted to Mil Mi-8T '931' and the helicopter entered service with the German Air Force LTG65. In 1994, Mi-8T '93+17'
was withdrawn from use and offered for sale. In October 1997, the Mil Mi-8T was registered OK-FXE with Aerocentrum as
holder and LOK (Letecké opravny Kbely) as owner. In July 1999, registration OK-FXE was cancelled. Since, the helicopter
is preserved in the open air at Vyškov Museum of Air and Land Technology (Muzeum Letecke A Pozemni Techniky) at Vyskov Airport.
On 2 June 1994, Mil Mi-8T '93+17' was seen in service with the German Air Force at Fliegerhort Wunstorf (ETNW) in Germany. |
