The Mil Mi-8V is a 28-seat multi-role transport helicopter powered by two Izotov 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. On 24 June 1961, the prototype
flew first, 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 as Mi-8MT in 1980.
Over 12000 Mi-8s and Mi-17s were built. The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the Mil Mi-8V helicopters is MI8
On 24 May 1971, the arrival of the V-12, the first prototype of the Mil Mi-12 at Groningen Airport Eelde in the Netherlands was a sensation. This
helicopter is the largest helicopter of the world. Mil Mi-8V CCCP-11097 escorted Mil V-12 CCCP-21142. Both helicopters were on their way
to the Paris Air Show (Salon International de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace) at Paris-Le Bourget in France and came to Eelde for re-fueling.
Due to the cold war, the Soviet participants of the Paris Air Show flew over Scandinavia; Holland and Belgium on route to Paris. On the
return flight, afterwards the Paris Salon, they stopped again at Groningen Airport Eelde (EHGG/GRQ).
The serialnumber of Mil Mi-8V CCCP-11097 is not known, a number of sites mention serialnumber 88823, but this serialnumber is not
confirmed at reliable sites like Rotorspot and (Scramble) Soviet Transport Database.
Luchtvaart déjà vu
