//Public Intel-Report
Last updated: 20250206
In-DCS Unit View:
Mi-8
RWR: -
Originators Designation: Ми-8
NATO Reporting Name: Hip
Description:
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. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform.
The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, with over 17,000 units used by over 50 countries. As of 2015, when combined with the related Mil Mi-17, the two helicopters are the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.
Military Applications:
The Mi-8 serves in various military roles depending on the operational requirements of its users. Key applications include:
KNOWN STATS:
Last updated: 20250206
In-DCS Unit View:
Mi-8
RWR: -
Originators Designation: Ми-8
NATO Reporting Name: Hip
Description:
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. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform.
The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, with over 17,000 units used by over 50 countries. As of 2015, when combined with the related Mil Mi-17, the two helicopters are the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.
Military Applications:
The Mi-8 serves in various military roles depending on the operational requirements of its users. Key applications include:
- Troop Transport: Capable of carrying up to 24 fully equipped troops for rapid deployment in combat zones.
- Close Air Support: Armed versions can provide fire support during ground engagements, escorting convoys, or suppressing enemy positions.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): Equipped with specialized equipment for medical evacuation and recovery missions.
- Electronic Warfare (EW): Some variants carry jamming equipment to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems.
- Command and Control: Used as airborne command centers to coordinate battlefield operations.
- Special Forces Insertion: Enables covert infiltration and exfiltration of special operations teams.
- Russia: The largest operator, with various Mi-8 and Mi-17 variants serving in transport, attack, and special missions.
- China: Uses domestically produced versions of the Mi-17, known as the Z-8 and Z-9.
- India: Operates a significant number of Mi-17 helicopters for transport and combat roles.
- Ukraine: Utilizes the Mi-8 for military transport and medical evacuation missions.
- Poland, Czech Republic, and other NATO members: Some Eastern European countries still use the Mi-8 alongside NATO-standard aircraft.
- Middle Eastern and African Nations: Countries like Syria, Iran, and Algeria rely on the Mi-8 for both transport and combat operations.
- Latin America: Countries like Peru, Venezuela, and Mexico employ the Mi-8 in various roles, including counter-insurgency operations.
KNOWN STATS:
| AG ARMAMENT: | S-8 Rockets, UPK-23-250 Gun Pod, GUV-8700 Gun Pod, FAB-100/250/500 HE bombs |
| AA ARMAMENT: | - |
| AA THREAT TYPE: | WVR |
| KNOWN RADAR RANGE: | - |
| ENGINE: | 2x Klimov TV3-117MT Turboshaft |
| KNOWN TOP SPEED: | 130 knot |
| KNOWN TOP ALTITUDE: | 16,000 ft |
| ROLE: | Transport/CAS/SAR |