The Mil Mi-8 (Russian: Ми-8, NATO reporting name: Hip) is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) in the 1960s and introduced into the Soviet Air Force in 1968. Russian production of the aircraft model still continues as of 2024. [1] .

A new hydraulically-operated tail ramp was available that replaced the classic clamshell doors of the Mi-8. However, the old door schemes remained available. Composite rotor blades, along with a "flattened-X" style tail rotor were introduced as options.

The Mi-8 has a side by side cockpit that is followed by a large cabin with a door in the left and large clam shell doors at the rear. Two turboshafts on top of the cabin power the large five blade main rotor.

Oct 15, 2021 · An enlarged left door is another design feature of the Mi-8MTV-5-1 body. Instead of the standard manually hinged flaps, there is a ramp that opens with a hydraulic drive, which greatly...

From a user on the MilitaryPorn sub, apparently Soviet military doctrine just didn't include door guns for helicopters. Providing cover fire for troop transport is meant to be done by helicopter gunships and the Mi-8's own wing-mounted weapons.

Oct 3, 2023 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Mil Mi-8 (Hip) Multirole Medium-Lift Helicopter including pictures.

Mar 17, 2015 · A large sliding door on the forward port side and rear-opening clamshell doors simplified loading large cargo. Removable interior seats and an internal winch capable of lifting 350 pounds that doubled as a rescue hoist facilitated cargo handling.

When parachutists jumped from an armed Mi-8 (Mi-8TV of 1968 vintage) via the left side door, a protective grid could be mounted in front of the left weapon rack to prevent a parachute from remaining hooked to it.

The Mi-8 is a sturdy and reliable machine, built for a long service life, and users tend to hang on to them for the long term, and there is a good market for upgrades. The Mi-8 promises to keep on flying well into the 21st century; it will not be that surprising if derivatives of the basic design are still flying after 2050. BACK_TO_TOP

There is a large sliding door at the left front part of the fuselage, and at the rear there is a two-wing loading door. The helicopter has a three-wheel non-retractable landing gear with a double-tyred front leg.