The Mil Mi-2 is an 8-10-seat multi-role transport helicopter powered by two Izotov turboshaft engines.
The Mil Mi-2 (NATO reporting name 'Hoplite') was derived from the piston-engine Mil Mi-1. It provides
accommodation for six-eight passengers and two crewmembers. In the ambulance role, it can carry four
casualty stretchers and a medical attendant. The first of two prototypes of the Mi-2 or V-2 powered by two
400shp Isotov GTD-350 turboshaft engines mounted above the cabin was flown first in September 1961. Production
was initiated in 1963 at the PZL Swidnik factory in Poland. The first PZL-Swidnik Mi-2 performed its first
flight in November 1965. In 1988, the PZL W-3 Sokol replaced the Mi-2 in production. Over 5000 PZL-Swidnik
Mil Mi-2 helicopters were built.
The helicopters of the LZS-Letecká záchranná služba (Aviation Rescue Service) in the Czech
republic use the callsign Krystof. Callsign 'Krystof' for the lifeliner helicopters is
derived of Saint Christophorus, the Patron Saint for all travellers. LZS Krystof 13 is based
at Ceske Budejovice-Hosin airfield and operated by Helicopter s.r.o. LZS Krystof 13 Mil Mi-2
OK-VIK (ex. CCCP-14248 and RA-14248) was photographed at Ceske Budejovice-Hosin on 9 June 1997.
The OK-VIK is sold to the Ukraine. In 2004, the LZS Krystof 13 operation was transferred to
ALFA-Helicopter spol.s.r.o that operates the Bell 206L4T OK-ZIU out of Ceske Budejovice.
Luchtvaart déjà vu
