Mil Mi-8
Unanswered Questions
Encyclopedia
The Mil
Mi-8 ' onMouseout='HidePop("16121")' href="/topics/NATO_reporting_name">NATO reporting name
: Hip) is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter
that can also act as a gunship
. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter.
with a larger cabin. Powered by a 2,010 kW (2,700 shp) Soloviev turboshaft engine, the V-8 was first shown on Soviet Aviation Day parade in July 1961. The second prototype equipped with two 1,120 kW (1,500 shp) Isotev TV2 engines, made its first flight on 17 September 1962. For the production version the rotor was changed from a four blades to five blades in 1964. After a few changes it was introduced into the Soviet Air Force
by 1967
as the Mi-8.
There are numerous variants, including the Mi-8T which is armed with rockets and anti-tank guided missile
s, in addition to carrying 24 troops. The Mil Mi-17
export version is employed by around 20 countries; its equivalent in Russian service in the Mi-8M series. The only visible difference between the mi-8 and mi-17 is that the tail rotor is on the starboard side (right side) of the mi-8, whereas in mi-17 it is on the left side. Also mi-17 also has some improved armour plating for it's crew. The naval Mil Mi-14
and attack Mil Mi-24
are also derived from the Mi-8. The Mi-8 remains in production in 2009.
The Yugoslav Air Force
bought 24 Mi-8T (Hip C) transport helicopters from May 1968 to May 1969 to equip two squadrons of the newly formed 119th transport regiment from Niš military airport
, each squadron with 12 helicopters. Subsequently, from 1973 to the early 1980s, Yugoslavia purchased more Mi-8T helicopters to re-equip two squadrons of 111th regiment from Pleso military airport
near Zagreb
and the 790th squadron from Divulje military airport near Split
, which was under the command of the Yugoslav Navy. In total, the Yugoslav Air Force received 92 Mi-8T transport helicopters from Soviet Union
, known formally to the military
as the HT-40, while local modification of several helicopters into electronic warfare variants produced the HT-40E. Some 40 helicopters were equipped for firefighting operations.
The Yugoslav Mi-8s' first combat operations were transport of army troops
and federal police forces to border crossings in Slovenia
on 27 June 1991. The members of Slovenia
n Territorial Defence
fired Strela 2
MANPAD, and shot one helicopter down, killing all crew and passengers.
During combat in the winter of 1991 in Croatia and in the spring of 1992 in Bosnia and Herzegovina
, Yugoslav People's Army used the Mi-8 fleet for evacutaion of injured personnel, transport of cargo and search and rescue
of crews of aircraft forced down. As the most of flights were made behind the front, the Croatian forces were able to down one only helicopter, hit with small arms fire near Slavonski Brod
on 4 October 1991.
After Bosnian Serbs declared their state
in the spring of 1992, some former Yugoslav Air Force Mi-8s continued service in new armed forces. The inventory of the 82nd mixed helicopter squadron of 92nd aviation brigade of Army of Republika Srpska
contains 12 Mi-8T helicopters which continued in service until Operation Koridor
. During that period, the Republika Srpska Air Force
lost 3 Mi-8 helicopters to enemy fire. Three helicopters painted in a blue and white colour scheme flew in the first part of 56th helicopter squadron of Krajina Milicija, using Udbina military airport in Lika
as their main base. The Republika Srpska Air Force continued to operate 9 helicopters, albeit suffering problems with maintenance and spare parts, until it was formally disbanded in 2006.
On the other side, Mi-8 helicopters were also used as main air transport. Croatian National Guard
obtained their first on 23 September 1991, near Petrinja
, when a Yugoslav Air Force Mi-8 made an emergency landing after being damaged by small-arms fire. A further 6 Mi-8T and 18 Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters were bought from ex-Warsaw Pact
countries during the war, but only 16 of those survived the war. The remaining Mi-8Ts were retired from service in the Croatian Air Force after the war, while the Mi-8MTVs continued their service in 20th Transport Helicopter Squadron, and 28th Transport Helicopter Squadron. The latter has been re-equipped with new Mi-171Sh
helicopters bought from Russia.
The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
secretly obtained Mi-8T, Mi-8MTV and Mi-17 helicopters from various sources. Bad aircrew training cost Bosnian forces half of their helicopters. Two helicopters were shot down by Serbian air defences, one around Žepa, while one Mi-17 was shot down by 2K12 Kub M, killing the Bosnian Minister Irfan Ljubijankić
, a few other politicians, and the helicopter's Ukrainian mercenary crew. A few Croatian Mi-8MTVs secretly supported Croatian Defence Council
operations in Herceg Bosna. After the war, the Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
operated the remaining 5 Mi-8MTV's and 1 Mi-8T in the Air Force and Air Defense Brigade of Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Finally, the Macedonian Air Force
bought 4 Mi-17V-1 in 1994 and 2 Mi-8MT helicopters in 2001 from the Ukraine
. They fly in the Transport Helicopter Squadron (ex 301. Transport Helicopter Squadron). One crashed, killing all 8 passengers and 3 crew members in an accident in January 2008
. In May 2008 Macedonia acquired 4 additional Mi-171, purchased from Lithuania.
During the 1998-1999 Kosovo war
, the Yugoslav Air Force
used Mi-8s for transport of personnel and material to forces in otherwise-inaccessible mountain areas. Evacuation of injured personnel also occurred during the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia
, flying at low altitude to avoid detection by NATO aircraft. Two Mi-17V helicopters which were secretly operated by the Unit for Special Operations post-1997 were also active during the Kosovan conflict. After the disbanding of the unit in 2003, the helicopters were transferred to Air Force
.
Today the Serbian Air Force
, successor of Yugoslav Air Force, operates between 6-8 Mi-8T and 2 Mi-17 helicopters in the 138th Mixed-Transport-Aviation Squadron of 204th Air Base
and 119th Combined-Arms Helicopter Squadron (ex 199th regiment) of 98th Air Base
.
The Finnish Defence Forces
and the Finnish Border Guard
have been using Mi-8s since the 1970s, with the Finnish Air Force
receiving its first, serialed HS-2, on May 28, 1973, and the second, HS-1, on May 31, 1973. Six Mi-8Ts were obtained at first, followed by further two Mi-8Ts and two Mi-8Ps. Three of the helicopters were handed over to the Border Guard Wing. One of these was lost after sinking through ice during a landing. It was soon replaced by a new Mi-8. After their Border Guard service, the helicopters were transferred to the civil register, but shortly thereafter to the Air Force. In 1997 it was decided that all helicopters, including the remaining five Mi-8Ts and two Mi-8Ps, should be transferred to the Army Wing at Utti
. All Mi-8s have now been replaced with NH90 helicopters. One Mi-8 is on display at the Finnish Aviation Museum
in Vantaa
, and one is at the Päijänne Tavastia Aviation Museum
in Asikkala
, near Lahti
. The two final Mi-8T machines were given to Hungary in 8/2011 with all remaining spare parts.
after the explosion. Most of them were severely irradiated and abandoned in the giant junkyard (so-called "machines cemetery") near Chernobyl. One crashed near the power plant after hitting the crane's lines; everyone onboard perished.
In Afghanistan, there are several civilian versions flying cargo contracts for the US Army.
On 4 December 2003 a Polish Mi-8 crashed
near Piaseczno
while carrying Prime Minister Leszek Miller
, 10 other passengers and four crewmen. There were no fatalities. The cause of the accident was the icing of the engines. The pilot, major Marek Miłosz was accused of causing the disaster, but he was found not guilty.
On 15 October 2006, India agreed to acquire 80 Mi-17 helicopters from Russia in a deal worth approximately US$662 million.
On 19 July 2009 a Mil Mi-8 helicopter crashed at Kandahar Air Field during takeoff killing 16 aboard and injuring 5.
The helicopter was owned by Vertikal-T, a Russian air transportation company.
On July 2, 2008, two Mi-17 were used to rescue 15 hostages during the Operation Jaque
performed by the Colombian military.
V-8A
V-8AT
Mi-8 (NATO - Hip-B)
Mi-8TG
Mi-18
Mi-8TV
Mi-8TVK (NATO - Hip-E, aka Mi-8TB)
Mi-8TBK (NATO - Hip-F)
Mi-8PP (NATO - Hip-K)
Mi-8PD
Mi-8SMV (NATO - Hip-J)
Mi-8VPK (NATO - Hip-D, a.k.a. Mi-8VzPU)
Mi-8AV
Mi-8BT
Mi-8MB "Bissektrisa"
Mi-8R (a.k.a. Mi-8GR)
Mi-8K
Mi-8TP
Mi-8SKA
Mi-8T(K)
Mi-8TZ
Mi-8MTYu
Mi-8P
Mi-8S "Salon"
Mi-8MPS
Mi-8MA
Mi-8MT
Mi-8AT
Mi-8ATS
Mi-8TL
Mi-8TM
Mi-8TS
Mi-8VIP
Mi-8PA
: 65 have been acquired by the Afghan Air Force
, with deliveries of 30 Mi-8 since 1971, and 35 Mi-17 since 1987.
: 1 Mi-8T was acquired by the Albanian Air Force
in 1996 from Ukraine
.
: 18 in service with the Armenian Air Force
.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Air Force
13 in service.
: 43 Mi-17s and some Mi-8/Mi-8 MTVs in service
: 7 Mi-8s in service
: 9 Mi-8T, 2 Mi-8MTV-1 and 6 Mi-17 in service
: 18 Mi-8s in service
: 3 Mi-8s in service
: 6 Mi-8s leased for one year from Skylink Aviation
: 6 Mi-8/17s in service
: 4 Mi-171sh in service
: 250 Mi-8/17s in service
: 30 Mi-17s in service
: 3 Mi-8T, 12 Mi-8MTV-1 and 10 Mi-8AMTSh in service
: 43 Mi-17s and some Mi-8/Mi-8 MTVs in service
: 40 Mi-8/17s in service
: East German Air Force, Volksmarine
: 12 Mi-8s in service
: Ex-East Germany
: 18 Mi-8T/MTV helicopters in service
: Ghana Air Force
: 1 Mi-8T in service
: Original total procured was 57. In 2008, the total comprised 8xP, 1xT and one Mi-9 Command version (now apparently out of Service). 2xT versions (ex Finland) procured in 8/2011.
: 1 captured Egyptian helicopter
: 134 Mi-8s in service of Indian Air Force
: 52 Mi-8/17s in service
: Used by the police for patrols acquired second hand in 2001
: 8 Mi-8s are in service
: 4 Mi-8/17MTV helicopters in service
: 25 purchesd from Russia
Free Libyan Air Force
: At least 4 captured at tobruk.
: 5 Mi-8MTV in service
: 9 in service of Macedonian Air Force
; 4 in service of police
: 1 currently out of service
: 8 in service
: Mongolian Air Force
: 12 in service
: 4 in service
: 4 Mi-8s in service
Peruvian army
, Peruvian Navy
, Peruvian Air Force
, National Police of Peru
: 48 Mi-8/17s: Polish Air Force
, Polish Navy
and Polish Land Forces
: Russian Air Force
, Russian Naval Aviation
and Russian Ground Forces
. Between 195 and 600 Helicopters.
: 15 Mi-8s and 2 Mi-17s in service
: Soviet Air Force
, Soviet Army
Aviation, Soviet Naval Aviation
and USSR Border Troops
. Passed on to successor states
: Syrian Air Force
: Used by the Ukrainian Airmobile Forces
, Ukrainian Air Force
, Ukrainian Naval Aviation
and Ukrainian Ground Forces
Will produce/modernize own version - Mi-8MSB1
: Used by the 6th Special Operations Squadron
for training
: 2 were in service to train Afghan pilots. Transferred to Afghan Ministry of the Interior in March 2010.
: Passed on to successor states
: Azerbaijan Airlines
(Mi-8T)
: Skylink Aviation
: Aerogaviota
: Mi-8 Aerocentrum
: Border Guard (retired), replaced by AW139
.
: German Police
: Jagson Airlines
: MAC (Malta Air Charter) which operated from the early 1990s to the end of 2004,
: Mongolyn Alt (MAK) Corp (Mi-8T)
: 3 Mi-8s were used by Hummingbird Helicopters in the 1990s. 2 were operated by Seagull Helicopters.
: Heli Harvest (2x Mi-8MTV-1) based in Taupo
: 11 Mi-8 and 6 Mi-171 http://www.helisur.com.pe/ HELISUR Helicopteros del Sur Perú.
: Aeroflot
: Air Transport Europe
: UTAir S.A.
: Turkmenistan Airlines
: Blackwater Worldwide
: Vietnam Air Service Company
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
Mil Helicopters is the short name of the Soviet Russian helicopter producer Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant , named after the constructor Mikhail Mil. Mil participates in the Euromil joint venture with Eurocopter....
Mi-8 ' onMouseout='HidePop("16121")' href="/topics/NATO_reporting_name">NATO reporting name
NATO reporting name
NATO reporting names are classified code names for military equipment of the Eastern Bloc...
: Hip) is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
that can also act as a gunship
Gunship
The term "gunship" is used in several contexts, all sharing the general idea of a light craft armed with heavy guns.-In Navy:In the Navy, the term originally appeared in the mid-19th century as a less-common synonym for gunboat.-In military aviation:...
. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter.
Design and development
The prototype V-8 was designed in 1960 based on the Mil Mi-4Mil Mi-4
The Mil Mi-4 was a Soviet transport helicopter that served in both military and civilian roles.-Design and development:...
with a larger cabin. Powered by a 2,010 kW (2,700 shp) Soloviev turboshaft engine, the V-8 was first shown on Soviet Aviation Day parade in July 1961. The second prototype equipped with two 1,120 kW (1,500 shp) Isotev TV2 engines, made its first flight on 17 September 1962. For the production version the rotor was changed from a four blades to five blades in 1964. After a few changes it was introduced into the Soviet Air Force
Soviet Air Force
The Soviet Air Force, officially known in Russian as Военно-воздушные силы or Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily and often abbreviated VVS was the official designation of one of the air forces of the Soviet Union. The other was the Soviet Air Defence Forces...
by 1967
1967 in aviation
This is a list of aviation-related events from 1967:- Events :* The Canadian Golden Centennaires aerobatic team is formed and performs all year to celebrate the Canadian centennial year....
as the Mi-8.
There are numerous variants, including the Mi-8T which is armed with rockets and anti-tank guided missile
Anti-tank guided missile
An anti-tank missile , anti-tank guided missile , anti-tank guided weapon or anti-armor guided weapon is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily-armored military vehicles....
s, in addition to carrying 24 troops. The Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-17
The Mil Mi-17 is a Russian helicopter currently in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude...
export version is employed by around 20 countries; its equivalent in Russian service in the Mi-8M series. The only visible difference between the mi-8 and mi-17 is that the tail rotor is on the starboard side (right side) of the mi-8, whereas in mi-17 it is on the left side. Also mi-17 also has some improved armour plating for it's crew. The naval Mil Mi-14
Mil Mi-14
|-See also:-External links:******...
and attack Mil Mi-24
Mil Mi-24
The Mil Mi-24 is a large helicopter gunship and attack helicopter and low-capacity troop transport with room for 8 passengers. It is produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and operated since 1972 by the Soviet Air Force, its successors, and by over thirty other nations.In NATO circles the export...
are also derived from the Mi-8. The Mi-8 remains in production in 2009.
Yugoslavia
SFR Yugoslav Air Force
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Yugoslav Air Force , was the air force of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia . Formed in 1945, it was preceded by the Yugoslav Royal Air Force which was disbanded in 1941, following the German occupation of Yugoslavia...
bought 24 Mi-8T (Hip C) transport helicopters from May 1968 to May 1969 to equip two squadrons of the newly formed 119th transport regiment from Niš military airport
Niš Constantine the Great Airport
Niš Constantine the Great Airport , is a Serbian airport that serves southern Serbia and the city of Niš. The airport, which is named for Constantine the Great, is located from the Niš city centre and is Serbia's second international airport.- History :...
, each squadron with 12 helicopters. Subsequently, from 1973 to the early 1980s, Yugoslavia purchased more Mi-8T helicopters to re-equip two squadrons of 111th regiment from Pleso military airport
Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Airport , also known as Pleso Airport after the nearby suburb of Pleso, is the main international airport of Croatia and also a Croatian Air Force and Defense major fighter jet base. Located 10 km from the central railway station in Zagreb, it served 2,071,561 passengers in 2010 and is the...
near Zagreb
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Croatia. It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level. According to the last official census, Zagreb's city...
and the 790th squadron from Divulje military airport near Split
Split (city)
Split is a Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, centered around the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and its wide port bay. With a population of 178,192 citizens, and a metropolitan area numbering up to 467,899, Split is by far the largest Dalmatian city and...
, which was under the command of the Yugoslav Navy. In total, the Yugoslav Air Force received 92 Mi-8T transport helicopters from Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, known formally to the military
Yugoslav People's Army
The Yugoslav People's Army , also referred to as the Yugoslav National Army , was the military of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.-Origins:The origins of the JNA can...
as the HT-40, while local modification of several helicopters into electronic warfare variants produced the HT-40E. Some 40 helicopters were equipped for firefighting operations.
The Yugoslav Mi-8s' first combat operations were transport of army troops
Yugoslav People's Army
The Yugoslav People's Army , also referred to as the Yugoslav National Army , was the military of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.-Origins:The origins of the JNA can...
and federal police forces to border crossings in Slovenia
Ten-Day War
The Ten-Day War or the Slovenian Independence War was a military conflict between the Slovenian Territorial Defence and the Yugoslav People's Army in 1991 following Slovenia's declaration of independence.-Background:...
on 27 June 1991. The members of Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
n Territorial Defence
Territorial Defense Forces (Yugoslavia)
The Territorial Defense Forces were a separate part of the armed forces of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The forces acted as a Home Guard which roughly corresponded to a military reserve force or an official governmental paramilitary...
fired Strela 2
Strela 2
The 9K32 “Strela-2” is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, low-altitude surface-to-air missile system with a high explosive warhead and passive infrared homing guidance...
MANPAD, and shot one helicopter down, killing all crew and passengers.
During combat in the winter of 1991 in Croatia and in the spring of 1992 in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian War
The Bosnian War or the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina was an international armed conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between April 1992 and December 1995. The war involved several sides...
, Yugoslav People's Army used the Mi-8 fleet for evacutaion of injured personnel, transport of cargo and search and rescue
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
of crews of aircraft forced down. As the most of flights were made behind the front, the Croatian forces were able to down one only helicopter, hit with small arms fire near Slavonski Brod
Slavonski Brod
Slavonski Brod is a city in Croatia, with a population of 59,507 in 2011. The city was known as Marsonia in the Roman Empire, and as Brod na Savi 1244–1934. It is the sixth largest city in Croatia, after Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek and Zadar. Located in the region of Slavonia, it is the...
on 4 October 1991.
After Bosnian Serbs declared their state
Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska is one of two main political entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
in the spring of 1992, some former Yugoslav Air Force Mi-8s continued service in new armed forces. The inventory of the 82nd mixed helicopter squadron of 92nd aviation brigade of Army of Republika Srpska
Army of Republika Srpska
The Army of Republika Srpska ; Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian Vojska Republike Srpske ) also referred to as the Bosnian Serb Army, was the military of today's Republika Srpska which was then the "Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina", a self-proclaimed state within the internationally recognized...
contains 12 Mi-8T helicopters which continued in service until Operation Koridor
Operation Koridor
Operation Corridor an operation by the Army of Republika Srpska against the joint forces of the Croatian Defence Council and Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina that started in June 1992 and ended in July the same year. The goal of the operation was to connect the two parts of Bosnia...
. During that period, the Republika Srpska Air Force
Republika Srpska Air Force
The Republika Srpska Air Force was the air force of Republika Srpska and was used primarily during the Bosnian war. In 2005, it was integrated into the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. SFOR still plays a large role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which consists of the Federation of Bosnia and...
lost 3 Mi-8 helicopters to enemy fire. Three helicopters painted in a blue and white colour scheme flew in the first part of 56th helicopter squadron of Krajina Milicija, using Udbina military airport in Lika
Lika
Lika is a mountainous region in central Croatia, roughly bound by the Velebit mountain from the southwest and the Plješevica mountain from the northeast. On the north-west end Lika is bounded by Ogulin-Plaški basin, and on the south-east by the Malovan pass...
as their main base. The Republika Srpska Air Force continued to operate 9 helicopters, albeit suffering problems with maintenance and spare parts, until it was formally disbanded in 2006.
On the other side, Mi-8 helicopters were also used as main air transport. Croatian National Guard
Croatian National Guard
The Croatian National Guard was the name of the first modern Croatian military force. Croatian president Franjo Tuđman signed to law the Decree of Formation of the Croatian National Guard on April 20, 1991 which became the first professional armed forces with defence and training duties.These...
obtained their first on 23 September 1991, near Petrinja
Petrinja
Petrinja is a city in central Croatia near Sisak in the historic region of Banovina. The city belongs to Sisak-Moslavina County .- History :The name of Petrinja has its roots in Latin petrus, meaning "stone"...
, when a Yugoslav Air Force Mi-8 made an emergency landing after being damaged by small-arms fire. A further 6 Mi-8T and 18 Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters were bought from ex-Warsaw Pact
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Treaty Organization of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance , or more commonly referred to as the Warsaw Pact, was a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in Eastern Europe...
countries during the war, but only 16 of those survived the war. The remaining Mi-8Ts were retired from service in the Croatian Air Force after the war, while the Mi-8MTVs continued their service in 20th Transport Helicopter Squadron, and 28th Transport Helicopter Squadron. The latter has been re-equipped with new Mi-171Sh
MI-17
MI-17 can refer to:* Mil Mi-17, Soviet helicopter*M-17...
helicopters bought from Russia.
The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was the military force of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina established by the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992 following the outbreak of the Bosnian War...
secretly obtained Mi-8T, Mi-8MTV and Mi-17 helicopters from various sources. Bad aircrew training cost Bosnian forces half of their helicopters. Two helicopters were shot down by Serbian air defences, one around Žepa, while one Mi-17 was shot down by 2K12 Kub M, killing the Bosnian Minister Irfan Ljubijankić
Irfan Ljubijankic
Dr. Irfan Ljubijankić was a Bosnian facial surgeon, classical music composer, politician and diplomat. He was a good friend of Yusef Islam ....
, a few other politicians, and the helicopter's Ukrainian mercenary crew. A few Croatian Mi-8MTVs secretly supported Croatian Defence Council
Croatian Defence Council
The Croatian Defence Council was a military formation of the self-proclaimed Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia during the Bosnian War.-History:...
operations in Herceg Bosna. After the war, the Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was the military of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina created after the 1995 Dayton Agreement...
operated the remaining 5 Mi-8MTV's and 1 Mi-8T in the Air Force and Air Defense Brigade of Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Finally, the Macedonian Air Force
Macedonian Air Force
The Macedonian Air Force is the air arm of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia.-History:The development of the Macedonian Air Force and Air Defence Forces started from scratch in 1992, because the former Yugoslav Peoples Army took all the weapons and equipment which Macedonia had accumulated,...
bought 4 Mi-17V-1 in 1994 and 2 Mi-8MT helicopters in 2001 from the Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
. They fly in the Transport Helicopter Squadron (ex 301. Transport Helicopter Squadron). One crashed, killing all 8 passengers and 3 crew members in an accident in January 2008
2008 Macedonian Armed Forces Mil Mi-17 crash
The 2008 Macedonian Armed Forces Mil Mi-17 crash occurred on Saturday, 12 January 2008, when a Mil Mi-17 transport helicopter belonging to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, crashed 50–100 metres from the village of Blace, situated in the region of Katlanovo, approximately 10–15...
. In May 2008 Macedonia acquired 4 additional Mi-171, purchased from Lithuania.
During the 1998-1999 Kosovo war
Kosovo War
The term Kosovo War or Kosovo conflict was two sequential, and at times parallel, armed conflicts in Kosovo province, then part of FR Yugoslav Republic of Serbia; from early 1998 to 1999, there was an armed conflict initiated by the ethnic Albanian "Kosovo Liberation Army" , who sought independence...
, the Yugoslav Air Force
Air Force of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia / Serbia and Montenegro
The Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro , also named Air Force of Yugoslavia in the 1992-2003 period, was the air force of the former Serbia and Montenegro. It had around 300 fighter aircraft, ground attack aircraft, and other...
used Mi-8s for transport of personnel and material to forces in otherwise-inaccessible mountain areas. Evacuation of injured personnel also occurred during the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia
1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was NATO's military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999...
, flying at low altitude to avoid detection by NATO aircraft. Two Mi-17V helicopters which were secretly operated by the Unit for Special Operations post-1997 were also active during the Kosovan conflict. After the disbanding of the unit in 2003, the helicopters were transferred to Air Force
Air Force of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia / Serbia and Montenegro
The Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro , also named Air Force of Yugoslavia in the 1992-2003 period, was the air force of the former Serbia and Montenegro. It had around 300 fighter aircraft, ground attack aircraft, and other...
.
Today the Serbian Air Force
Serbian Air Force
The Serbian Air Force and Air Defence is the air force of Serbia and service branch of the Serbian Armed Forces. Established in 1912, it is one of the oldest air forces in the world.-History:...
, successor of Yugoslav Air Force, operates between 6-8 Mi-8T and 2 Mi-17 helicopters in the 138th Mixed-Transport-Aviation Squadron of 204th Air Base
204th Air Base
The 204th Air Brigade is a main air base of Serbian Air Force and Air Defense. It's the home of Serbian fighter, training and transport aviation.-History:...
and 119th Combined-Arms Helicopter Squadron (ex 199th regiment) of 98th Air Base
98th Air Base
The 98th Air Base is a second air base of Serbian Air Force and Air Defense. It is the permanent base for Serbia's attack aviation and anti-tank helicopters.-History:...
.
Finland
Finnish Defence Forces
The Finnish Defence Forces are responsible for the defence of Finland. It is a cadre army of 15,000, of which 8,900 are professional soldiers , extended with conscripts and reservists such that the standard readiness strength is 34,700 people in uniform...
and the Finnish Border Guard
Finnish Border Guard
The Finnish Border guard is the national security agency responsible for enforcing the security of Finland's borders...
have been using Mi-8s since the 1970s, with the Finnish Air Force
Finnish Air Force
The Finnish Air Force is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. Its peacetime tasks are airspace surveillance, identification flights, and production of readiness formations for wartime conditions...
receiving its first, serialed HS-2, on May 28, 1973, and the second, HS-1, on May 31, 1973. Six Mi-8Ts were obtained at first, followed by further two Mi-8Ts and two Mi-8Ps. Three of the helicopters were handed over to the Border Guard Wing. One of these was lost after sinking through ice during a landing. It was soon replaced by a new Mi-8. After their Border Guard service, the helicopters were transferred to the civil register, but shortly thereafter to the Air Force. In 1997 it was decided that all helicopters, including the remaining five Mi-8Ts and two Mi-8Ps, should be transferred to the Army Wing at Utti
Utti
Utti is a village in Kouvola, Finland. In 1789 the Battle of Utti took place there between Swedish and Russian forces. In 1918 General Carl Gustaf Mannerheim set up the first Finnish Air Force base in the village. Today, Utti is best known for the Utti Jaeger Regiment, a helicopter base and a...
. All Mi-8s have now been replaced with NH90 helicopters. One Mi-8 is on display at the Finnish Aviation Museum
Finnish Aviation Museum
The Finnish Aviation Museum is a museum specialising in aircraft, located in Vantaa, Finland.-History:The museum was founded on 4 December 1969 by Ilmailumuseoyhdistys ry. The museum was placed next to the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport but received its own facilities in 1980...
in Vantaa
Vantaa
Vantaa is a city and municipality in Finland. Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo and Kauniainen make up the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.Vantaa, with its population of , is the fourth most populated city of Finland. The biggest airport in Finland, the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is located there...
, and one is at the Päijänne Tavastia Aviation Museum
Päijänne Tavastia Aviation Museum
Päijänne Tavastia Aviation Museum is an aviation museum in Asikkala, near Lahti, Finland. It opened in its current form on 19 May 2006. The museum was known for a long time as Vesivehmaan varastohalli ....
in Asikkala
Asikkala
Asikkala is a municipality of Finland. Its seat is in Vääksy.It is located in the province of Southern Finland and is part of the Päijänne Tavastia region. The municipality has a population of and covers an area of of which is water...
, near Lahti
Lahti
Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. It is situated on a bay at the southern end of lake Vesijärvi about north-east of the capital Helsinki...
. The two final Mi-8T machines were given to Hungary in 8/2011 with all remaining spare parts.
Others
Between April and May 1986 many of these machines were used to drop radiation-absorbing materials into the 4th reactor of Chernobyl Nuclear Power PlantChernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant or Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant is a decommissioned nuclear power station near the city of Pripyat, Ukraine, northwest of the city of Chernobyl, from the Ukraine–Belarus border, and about north of Kiev. Reactor 4 was the site of the Chernobyl disaster in...
after the explosion. Most of them were severely irradiated and abandoned in the giant junkyard (so-called "machines cemetery") near Chernobyl. One crashed near the power plant after hitting the crane's lines; everyone onboard perished.
In Afghanistan, there are several civilian versions flying cargo contracts for the US Army.
On 4 December 2003 a Polish Mi-8 crashed
2003 Polish Air Force Mi-8 crash
On December 4, 2003, a Polish Mi-8 helicopter operated by the 36th Special Aviation Regiment with Poland's Prime Minister Leszek Miller on board crashed near Piaseczno, just outside of Warsaw....
near Piaseczno
Piaseczno
Piaseczno is a town in central Poland with 32,610 inhabitants .It is situated in the Masovian Voivodeship, approximately 16 kilometers south of Warsaw. It is a popular residential area and a suburb of Warsaw and is strongly linked to the capital, both economically and culturally...
while carrying Prime Minister Leszek Miller
Leszek Miller
Leszek Cezary Miller is a Polish central-left-wing politician, leader of the Democratic Left Alliance , Prime Minister of the government of the Republic of Poland in 2001-2004.-Childhood and youth:...
, 10 other passengers and four crewmen. There were no fatalities. The cause of the accident was the icing of the engines. The pilot, major Marek Miłosz was accused of causing the disaster, but he was found not guilty.
On 15 October 2006, India agreed to acquire 80 Mi-17 helicopters from Russia in a deal worth approximately US$662 million.
On 19 July 2009 a Mil Mi-8 helicopter crashed at Kandahar Air Field during takeoff killing 16 aboard and injuring 5.
The helicopter was owned by Vertikal-T, a Russian air transportation company.
On July 2, 2008, two Mi-17 were used to rescue 15 hostages during the Operation Jaque
Operation Jaque
Operation Jaque was a Colombian military operation that resulted in the freedom of 15 hostages, including former Colombian presidential candidate Íngrid Betancourt. The hostages had been held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia . The operation took place on July 2, 2008, along the...
performed by the Colombian military.
Prototypes/experimental/low production rate variants
V-8 (NATO - Hip-A)- The original single-engined prototype.
V-8A
- A twin-engined prototype, featuring TV2-117 turboshaft engines, the prototype underwent further modifications during its life.
V-8AT
- Prototype of the Mi-8T utility version.
Mi-8 (NATO - Hip-B)
- Twin-engined prototype.
Mi-8TG
- Conversion to operate on LPG gas.
Mi-18
- Prototype design, a modification of the existing Mil Mi-8. Two Mi-8s were extended by 0.9 meters (3 ft), the landing gear made retractable, and a sliding door added to the starboard side of the fuselage. The Mi-18s were used in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and later used as static training airframes for pilots of the Mi-8/17.
Basic military transport/airframe variants
Mi-8T (NATO - Hip-C)- First mass production utility transport version, it can carry four UV-16-57 unguided rocket pods, (with S-5S-5 rocketThe S-5 is a rocket weapon developed by the Soviet Air Force and used by military aircraft against ground area targets...
rockets), on four weapons pylons on two sub-wings, and is armed with one or two side mounted PK machine gunPK machine gunThe PK is a 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun designed in the Soviet Union and currently in production in Russia. The PK machine gun was introduced in the 1960s and replaced the SGM and RPD machine guns in Soviet service...
s.
Mi-8TV
- Armed version of the Mi-8T.
Mi-8TVK (NATO - Hip-E, aka Mi-8TB)
- Version used as a gunship or direct air support platform. Airframe modifications add 2x external hard points for a total of 6, and mount a flexible 12.7 mm (0.5-inch) KV-4 machine gun in the nose. Armament of 57 mm S-5 rockets, six UV-32-57 rocket pods, 551-lb (250-kg) bombs, or four AT-2 SwatterAT-2 SwatterThe AT-2 Swatter is the NATO reporting name for the 3M11 Fleyta MCLOS radio command Anti-tank missile of the Soviet Union.-Development:...
ATGMs.
Mi-8TBK (NATO - Hip-F)
- Armed export version, fitted with six launch rails to carry and fire Malyutka missiles.
Command and electronic warfare variants
Mi-8IV (NATO - Hip-G, a.k.a. Mi-9)- Airborne command post version fitted with "Ivolga" system, characterized by antennas, and Doppler radar on tail boom.
Mi-8PP (NATO - Hip-K)
- Airborne jamming platform with "Polye" (field) system. From 1980, the type was fitted with the new "Akatsiya" system and redesignated the Mi-8PPA. It is characterized by six “X”-shaped antennas on each side of the aft fuselage.
Mi-8PD
- Polish airborne command post version.
Mi-8SMV (NATO - Hip-J)
- Airborne jamming platform with "Smalta-V" system, characterized by two small boxes on each side of the fuselage. Used for protection of ground attack aircraft against enemy air defenses.
Mi-8VPK (NATO - Hip-D, a.k.a. Mi-8VzPU)
- Airborne communications platform with rectangular communication canisters mounted on weapons racks and with two frame-type arials above the rear fuselage.
Other military variants
Mi-8AD- Minelaying version with four VSM-1 dispensers. Each dispenser contains 29 cassettes KSO-1 with anti-personnel mines, for example 7,424 x PFM-1 or 464 x POM-2 or 116 x PTM-3.
Mi-8AV
- Minelaying version with VMR-1 or -2 system for 64 or 200 anti-tank mines.
Mi-8BT
- Mine-clearing version.
Mi-8MB "Bissektrisa"
- Military ambulance version.
Mi-8R (a.k.a. Mi-8GR)
- Tactical reconnaissance version with Elint system "Grebeshok-5".
Mi-8K
- Artillery observation, reconnaissance version.
Mi-8TP
- Military staff transport version, fitted with improved radio equipment R-832 and R-111.
Mi-8SKA
- Photo-reconnaissance version.
Mi-8T(K)
- Photo-reconnaissance version.
Mi-8TZ
- Fuel transport tanker version.
Mi-8MTYu
- Only one were built and uses by Ukrainian Air ForceUkrainian Air ForceThe Ukrainian Air Force is a part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force Command and headquarters are located in the city of Vinnytsia....
, based at AB "Kirovskoe". Intended for detection of re-entry vehicles, small surface targets. In the nose radar antenna.
Civil variants
Mi-8T (NATO - Hip-C)- Civilian and military utility transport version, with accommodation for 24 passengers, fitted with tip-up seats along the cabin walls and circular cabin windows. The Mi-8T is powered by two 1,677-shp (1250-kW) Klimov TV2-117A turboshaft engines, giving the helicopter a maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) at sea level.
Mi-8P
- Civilian passenger transport version, with accommodation for between 28 and 32 passengers, fitted with square cabin windows, powered by two 1,700-hp (1268-kW) Klimov TV2-117A turboshaft engines.
Mi-8S "Salon"
- Civilian VIP transport version, with accommodation for between 9 and 11 passengers, equipped with a galley and toilet.
Mi-8MPS
- Search and rescue version (operated usually in Malaysia for Fire and Rescue Department services).
Mi-8MA
- Polar exploration version for use in the Arctic.
Mi-8MT
- Flying crane version.
Mi-8AT
- Civilian transport version, fitted with two improved TV2-117AG turboshaft engines.
Mi-8ATS
- Agricultural version, fitted with a hopper and spray bars.
Mi-8TL
- Air accident investigation version.
Mi-8TM
- Upgraded transport version, fitted with a weather radar.
Mi-8TS
- Hot and high desert version.
Mi-8VIP
- Deluxe VIP transport version, with accommodation for between 7 and 9 passengers.
Mi-8PA
- Modified version for Japanese regulations. One only was built, in 1980. It was used by Aero Asahi for heavy material transport in a mountainous region. It was retired in 1993, and is exhibited in a museum.
Military operators
Afghan Air Force
The Afghan Air Force , formerly the Afghan National Army Air Corps and Afghan National Army Air Force , is one of seven "corps" of the military of Afghanistan, responsible for air defense and air warfare. It was officially established in 1924 and for most of its history has functioned as a small...
, with deliveries of 30 Mi-8 since 1971, and 35 Mi-17 since 1987.
: 1 Mi-8T was acquired by the Albanian Air Force
Albanian Air Force
The Albanian Air Force is the national Air Force of the Albanian military. Currently it operates under the Albanian Joint Forces Command and it is regrouped in the Albanian Air Brigade...
in 1996 from Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
.
: 18 in service with the Armenian Air Force
Armenian Air Force
The Armenian Air Force is a small air arm formed by independent Armenia in 1992 in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It is organized and equipped principally to provide Armenian ground forces with tactical air support in the form of ground attack and airlift in mountainous terrain...
.
AzerbaijanAzerbaijan Air Force
Azerbaijan Air Force
The Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force often referred to as the Azerbaijani Air Force is the air force and air defence force of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces....
13 in service.
: 43 Mi-17s and some Mi-8/Mi-8 MTVs in service
: 7 Mi-8s in service
: 9 Mi-8T, 2 Mi-8MTV-1 and 6 Mi-17 in service
: 18 Mi-8s in service
: 3 Mi-8s in service
: 6 Mi-8s leased for one year from Skylink Aviation
SkyLink Aviation
SkyLink Aviation Inc. is a Canadian based international aviation group that specializes in Project Management, Air Charters, Aviation Support, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Courier, Executive Air Charters as well as Flight Planning and Clearance Services....
: 6 Mi-8/17s in service
: 4 Mi-171sh in service
: 250 Mi-8/17s in service
: 30 Mi-17s in service
: 3 Mi-8T, 12 Mi-8MTV-1 and 10 Mi-8AMTSh in service
: 43 Mi-17s and some Mi-8/Mi-8 MTVs in service
: 40 Mi-8/17s in service
- Djibouti Air ForceDjibouti Air ForceThe Djiboutian Air Force .Djibouti is situated on the eastern coast of Africa between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and covers 23.200 square kilometer. The Djibouti Air Force was formed after the independence of June 27 1977 as part of the Djibouti Army...
: East German Air Force, Volksmarine
Volksmarine
Volksmarine was the official designation of the maritime forces of the German Democratic Republic . It was part of the National People's Army, established in 1956.-History:...
- Egyptian Air ForceEgyptian Air ForceThe Egyptian Air Force, or EAF , is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The EAF is headed by an Air Marshal . Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed...
140 Mi-8s in service and 65 for special forces- Unit 777Unit 777Unit 777 , also known as Task Force 777, is an Egyptian military counter-terrorism and special operations unit created in 1977 by the government of Anwar Sadat in response to concerns of increased terrorist activity following the expulsion of Soviet military advisors from the country by Sadat and...
24 Mi-8s
- Unit 777
: 12 Mi-8s in service
- Finnish Border GuardFinnish Border GuardThe Finnish Border guard is the national security agency responsible for enforcing the security of Finland's borders...
, former operator - Finnish Air ForceFinnish Air ForceThe Finnish Air Force is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. Its peacetime tasks are airspace surveillance, identification flights, and production of readiness formations for wartime conditions...
, former operator - Finnish ArmyFinnish ArmyThe Finnish Army is the land forces branch of the Finnish Defence Forces.Today's Army is divided into six branches: the infantry , field artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, engineers, signals, and materiel troops.-History of the Finnish Army:Between 1809 and 1917 Finland was an autonomous part of...
, All are taken out from service, 1 Stored or used for training purposes
: Ex-East Germany
: 18 Mi-8T/MTV helicopters in service
: Ghana Air Force
Ghana Air Force
The Ghana Air Force is the air force of the African nation of Ghana. The GAF, along with the Ghanaian Army and Navy, make up the armed forces of Ghana which are controlled by that nation's Ministry of Defence....
: 1 Mi-8T in service
: Original total procured was 57. In 2008, the total comprised 8xP, 1xT and one Mi-9 Command version (now apparently out of Service). 2xT versions (ex Finland) procured in 8/2011.
: 1 captured Egyptian helicopter
: 134 Mi-8s in service of Indian Air Force
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict...
: 52 Mi-8/17s in service
: Used by the police for patrols acquired second hand in 2001
: 8 Mi-8s are in service
: 4 Mi-8/17MTV helicopters in service
: 25 purchesd from Russia
Free Libyan Air ForceFree Libyan Air Force
The Free Libyan Air Force is the air force of the National Transitional Council, a collection of defected Loyalist Military personnel and captured aircraft that have aligned themselves with the Anti-Gaddafi forces of the 2011 Libyan civil war.-Operations:...
: At least 4 captured at tobruk.
: 5 Mi-8MTV in service
: 9 in service of Macedonian Air Force
Macedonian Air Force
The Macedonian Air Force is the air arm of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia.-History:The development of the Macedonian Air Force and Air Defence Forces started from scratch in 1992, because the former Yugoslav Peoples Army took all the weapons and equipment which Macedonia had accumulated,...
; 4 in service of police
Law enforcement in the Republic of Macedonia
Law enforcement in the Republic of Macedonia is the responsibility of the Police of the Republic of Macedonia, a force that has been the subject of a number of recent reforms regarding both the Albanian insurgency, and possible violations of human rights, with NATO officials stating that the force...
: 1 currently out of service
- Mexican NavyMexican NavyThe Mexican Navy is the naval branch of the Mexican military responsible for conducting naval operations. Its stated mission is "to use the naval force of the federation for the exterior defense, and to help with internal order". The Navy consists of about 56,000 men and women plus reserves, over...
- Mexican Air ForceMexican Air ForceThe Mexican Air Force is the aviation branch of the Mexican Army and depends on the National Defense Secretariat . Since 2008, its commander is Gen...
- Policia Federal : Mi-8/17s are used by their special forces group GOPES
: 8 in service
: Mongolian Air Force
Military of Mongolia
The military of Mongolia has four branches: general purpose forces, border defense forces, internal security forces, and air force. This is a peace-time structure...
: 12 in service
: 4 in service
: 4 Mi-8s in service
Peruvian army
Peruvian Army
The Peruvian Army is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with safeguarding the independence, sovereignty and integrity of national territory on land through military force. Additional missions include assistance in safeguarding internal security, conducting disaster relief operations...
, Peruvian Navy
Peruvian Navy
The Peruvian Navy is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with surveillance, patrol and defense on lakes, rivers and the Pacific Ocean up to 200 nautical miles from the Peruvian littoral...
, Peruvian Air Force
Peruvian Air Force
The Peruvian Air Force is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with defending the nation and its interests through the use of air power...
, National Police of Peru
National Police of Peru
The Peruvian National Police is the national police force of Peru. Its jurisdiction covers the nation's land, sea, and air territories. Formed from the merger of the Investigative Police, the Civil Guard, and the Republican Guard in 1988, it is one of the largest police forces in Latin America...
: 48 Mi-8/17s: Polish Air Force
Polish Air Force
The Polish Air Force is the military Air Force wing of the Polish Armed Forces. Until July 2004 it was officially known as Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej...
, Polish Navy
Polish Navy
The Marynarka Wojenna Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej - MW RP Polish Navy, is the branch of Republic of Poland Armed Forces responsible for naval operations...
and Polish Land Forces
Polish Land Forces
The Polish Land Forces are a branch of Poland's Armed Forces. They currently contain some 65,000 active personnel and form many components of EU and NATO deployments around the world.-History:...
: Russian Air Force
Russian Air Force
The Russian Air Force is the air force of Russian Military. It is currently under the command of Colonel General Aleksandr Zelin. The Russian Navy has its own air arm, the Russian Naval Aviation, which is the former Soviet Aviatsiya Voyenno Morskogo Flota , or AV-MF).The Air Force was formed from...
, Russian Naval Aviation
Russian Naval Aviation
The Russian Naval Aviation , is the air arm of the Russian Navy...
and Russian Ground Forces
Russian Ground Forces
The Russian Ground Forces are the land forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formed from parts of the collapsing Soviet Army in 1992. The formation of these forces posed economic challenges after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and required reforms to professionalize the force...
. Between 195 and 600 Helicopters.
: 15 Mi-8s and 2 Mi-17s in service
: Soviet Air Force
Soviet Air Force
The Soviet Air Force, officially known in Russian as Военно-воздушные силы or Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily and often abbreviated VVS was the official designation of one of the air forces of the Soviet Union. The other was the Soviet Air Defence Forces...
, Soviet Army
Soviet Army
The Soviet Army is the name given to the main part of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union between 1946 and 1992. Previously, it had been known as the Red Army. Informally, Армия referred to all the MOD armed forces, except, in some cases, the Soviet Navy.This article covers the Soviet Ground...
Aviation, Soviet Naval Aviation
Soviet Naval Aviation
Soviet Naval Aviation was a part of the Soviet Navy.- Origins :...
and USSR Border Troops
USSR Border Troops
Soviet Border Troops, were the militarized border guard of the Soviet Union, subordinated to its subsequently reorganized state security agency: first to Cheka/OGPU, then to NKVD/MGB and, finally, to KGB...
. Passed on to successor states
: Syrian Air Force
Syrian Air Force
The Syrian Air Force is the Aviation branch of the Syrian Armed Forces. It was established in 1948.-History:The end of World War II led to a withdrawal of the United Kingdom and France from the Middle East, and this included a withdrawal from Syria...
: Used by the Ukrainian Airmobile Forces
Ukrainian Airmobile Forces
The airmobile force is a highly mobile component of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.The airmobile forces consist of formations, units and elements of the Army and the Army aviation, trained for combined activities behind the enemy lines....
, Ukrainian Air Force
Ukrainian Air Force
The Ukrainian Air Force is a part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force Command and headquarters are located in the city of Vinnytsia....
, Ukrainian Naval Aviation
Ukrainian Naval Aviation
-History:In the second half of 1997 when Ukraine and Russia finally agreed on how to split the Black Fleet, Ukraine received 12 planes and 30 helicopters including Su-33 and Su-25UTG -Organization:All of the aircraft are organized into 1 Naval Aviation brigade....
and Ukrainian Ground Forces
Ukrainian Ground Forces
The Ukrainian Ground Forces are the land force component of the Military of Ukraine. They were formed from Soviet Army formations, units, and establishments, including three military districts , that were on Ukrainian soil when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990-92.Between the fall of the USSR and...
Will produce/modernize own version - Mi-8MSB1
: Used by the 6th Special Operations Squadron
6th Special Operations Squadron
The 6th Special Operations Squadron is part of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. It is a combat aviation advisory unit....
for training
: 2 were in service to train Afghan pilots. Transferred to Afghan Ministry of the Interior in March 2010.
: Passed on to successor states
Civil operators
Azerbaijan Airlines
Azerbaijan Airlines is the national flag carrier of Azerbaijan with a main base in the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku, operating a network of scheduled passenger and cargo services. Member of IATA....
(Mi-8T)
- China Northern AirlinesChina Northern AirlinesChina Northern Airlines , was an airline headquartered on the grounds of Dongta Airport, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China....
: Skylink Aviation
SkyLink Aviation
SkyLink Aviation Inc. is a Canadian based international aviation group that specializes in Project Management, Air Charters, Aviation Support, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Courier, Executive Air Charters as well as Flight Planning and Clearance Services....
- Vertical de AviaciónVertical de AviaciónVertical de Aviación is a charter airline based at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia. As the name implies, if flies Helicopters.-History:Vertical de Aviación was founded in 1982 operating Bell helicopters...
- Helistar
- HeliandesHeliandesHeliandes is an airline based in Medellín, Colombia. It is a passenger and freight charter airline specialising in fixed wing and helicopter operations...
- HelicolHelicolHelicol is a helicopter operator based at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia. It is a subsidiary airline of Avianca.- History :...
: Aerogaviota
Aerogaviota
Aerogaviota is an airline based in Havana, Cuba. It operates domestic passenger charters for the national tourist authority. Its main base is Playa Baracoa Airport, Havana-History:...
: Mi-8 Aerocentrum
: Border Guard (retired), replaced by AW139
AgustaWestland AW139
The AgustaWestland AW139 is a 15-seat medium sized twin-engined helicopter manufactured by AgustaWestland. Originally designed and developed jointly by Agusta and Bell Helicopters and marketed as the Agusta-Bell AB139, it was redesignated the AW139 when Bell withdrew from the project...
.
: German Police
: Jagson Airlines
Jagson Airlines
Jagson Airlines is an airline based in Delhi, India. It operates scheduled and charter services within India and to Bhutan and Nepal.- History :...
: MAC (Malta Air Charter) which operated from the early 1990s to the end of 2004,
: Mongolyn Alt (MAK) Corp (Mi-8T)
: 3 Mi-8s were used by Hummingbird Helicopters in the 1990s. 2 were operated by Seagull Helicopters.
: Heli Harvest (2x Mi-8MTV-1) based in Taupo
Taupo Airport
Taupo Airport is a small airport 8 km to the south of Taupo township on the eastern shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand....
: 11 Mi-8 and 6 Mi-171 http://www.helisur.com.pe/ HELISUR Helicopteros del Sur Perú.
: Aeroflot
Aeroflot
OJSC AeroflotRussian Airlines , commonly known as Aeroflot , is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Russian Federation, based on passengers carried per year...
- AeroflotAeroflotOJSC AeroflotRussian Airlines , commonly known as Aeroflot , is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Russian Federation, based on passengers carried per year...
- Aerokuznetsk
- Altay Airlines
- Baltiiskie Avialinii
- Barkol
- Bel Kam Tour Kamtchatka, Jelisowo
- GazpromaviaGazpromaviaGazpromavia is an airline based in Moscow, Russia. It operates passenger and cargo charters, mainly in support of the oil and gas industry. It also operates regular domestic flights from Moscow and international charter passenger and cargo services.-History:The airline was established in March...
- Kazan Enterprise
- UTAir
- Vladivostok Air
- Paramount AirlinesParamount AirlinesParamount Airlines is an aviation company in Sierra Leone that used to provide a helicopter service between the capital, Freetown, and Lungi International Airport as well as other cities within the country. Paramount Airlines also flew helicopters to other places within West Africa including...
- Tajik Air
: Air Transport Europe
Air Transport Europe
Air Transport Europe is an airline based in Poprad, Slovakia. It operates emergency medical services, aerial works and contract helicopter services. It is also an authorised service centre for AgustaWestland and MIL helicopters. Its main base is Poprad-Tatry International Airport , with hubs at...
: UTAir S.A.
: Turkmenistan Airlines
Turkmenistan Airlines
Turkmenistan Airlines is the flag carrier of Turkmenistan, headquartered in Ashgabat. The airline connects its home base of Ashgabat with destinations in Russia, Europe and Asia...
: Blackwater Worldwide
Blackwater Worldwide
Xe Services LLC, better known by its former names, Blackwater USA and Blackwater Worldwide, is a private military company founded in 1997 by Erik Prince and Al Clark.. Xe is currently the largest of the U.S. State Department's three private security contractors...
: Vietnam Air Service Company
Vietnam Air Service Company
Vietnam Air Service Company , also known as VASCO, is an airline in Vietnam, headquartered in Tân Bình, Ho Chi Minh City. Operating scheduled flights from its base at Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the south of the country, VASCO is a fully owned subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines, it also...
Specifications (Mi-8T)