Domestic weapons and military equipment. The car we are used to The birth of the legendary "eight"

Helicopters of the Mi-17 type developed by the Moscow Helicopter Plant. M.L. Mil are one of the most successful developments of the Russian helicopter school. High flight performance, reliability, the ability to use in a wide range of conditions and temperatures (from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius), versatility, ease of operation and maintenance - these are the qualities that have allowed operators to gain confidence in these helicopters in everything the world.

DESIGN helicopter is basically the same as that of Mi-8, with a number of units and systems from a helicopter Mi-14. Mi-17 looks different from Mi-8 installing the tail rotor on the left side of the tail boom (instead of the right on Mi-8) and shortened engine nacelles, the air intakes of which are equipped with a ROM.

Carrier the screw to reduce the level of vibrations is equipped with pendulum vibration dampers. The main rotor blades are made of fiberglass and have the same geometric dimensions as those of a helicopter. Mi-8.

Power point It has a system for automatically maintaining the main rotor speed and a system for synchronizing the operation of engines: in the event of a failure of one engine, the continuation of the flight with one engine operating in emergency mode is ensured. The helicopter is equipped with an AI-9V GTE auxiliary power unit for powering the air starters of the engines during their start-up and for supplying the on-board network with direct current when the engines are not running.

Transmission distinguished by the use of a new VR-14 gearbox designed for a helicopter Mi-14. The gearbox is three-stage, with two freewheels, has an oil system independent of the engines; the gearbox has dimensions of 1.2 x 0.88 x 1.76 m and a dry weight of 842.5 kg, designed for power transmission of 3000 kW, the speed of rotation of the output shafts of the engines is 15900 rpm, the main rotor shaft is 192 rpm.

Equipment provides piloting day and night and in adverse weather conditions. On Mi-171 communication radio stations "Baklan-20" and "Yadro-1", radio compasses ARK-15M and ARK-UD, Doppler velocity and drift meter DISS-32-90, artificial horizons AGK-77 and AGP-74V, radio altimeter F-037, navigation system A-723, weather radar 8A-813. On military versions Mi-17 a device for ejection of LTC and dipole reflectors ASO-2 (under the tail boom) and an interference transmitter for IR systems were installed.

Armament used the same as in a helicopter Mi-8MTV in addition, it is possible to suspend the installation with the GSh-23 gun.

The areas of application for Mi-17 helicopters are expanding due to constant modernization and the possibility of equipping the helicopter with a wide range of additional equipment to perform various tasks.

• Cargo version of the Mi-17 helicopter is basic and allows you to transport various loads weighing up to 4000 kg inside the cargo compartment or on an external sling.

• Passenger option allows you to carry up to 26 passengers. The helicopter features low noise and vibration levels, is equipped with an in-cabin climate control system, and has emergency exits in accordance with modern safety rules. Everything is thought out in it to provide passengers with comfort and safety during the flight. VIP option The Mi-17 helicopter is designed to carry from 7 to 14 passengers in high comfort conditions. The interior of the helicopter is developed according to individual sketches in accordance with the wishes of the customer. The helicopter features the largest cabin in its class and is ideal for accommodating luxury equipment. The VIP version can be equipped with entertainment systems, satellite communication equipment, special communication and other equipment at the request of the customer.

• search and rescue The version of the Mi-17 helicopter makes it possible to effectively search and rescue victims around the clock in any weather. The helicopter is equipped with special equipment: searchlights, winches, loudspeakers and radar systems. The search and rescue variant is used by specialists from Ministries of Emergency Situations in various countries around the world.

• Helicopter Mi-17 in the variant "flying hospital" created to provide medical care in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Special medical equipment available on board ensures the maintenance of vital functions of patients and the provision of first aid during a flight to a medical facility. Thanks to special lining materials, the interior can be quickly disinfected in accordance with medical requirements.

• fire fighting The version of the Mi-17 helicopter provides fire extinguishing with the help of a spillway device on an external sling, which allows delivering up to 4000 liters of water and dumping it onto the fire with high accuracy. The helicopter is able to deliver fire brigades and special equipment to the extinguishing zone.

Mi-17 helicopters are produced at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant and the Kazan Helicopter Plant of the Russian Helicopters holding. As of 2014, more than 12,000 such machines have been produced, which is a world record among twin-engine helicopters. They have been supplied to more than 100 countries around the world, their total flight time is about 100 million hours.

Specifications

Video

When, back in the 15th century, the brilliant inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci created his own project for an aircraft, he had no idea how ahead of his time he was. Only in the XX century. the first working machines appeared, using the principle of the great Italian.

A Brief History of the Helicopter

The first experiments on the construction of the current one take place at the beginning of the 20th century, when gasoline engines appeared with enough power to provide the lifting force of the main rotor. Among the pioneers of the helicopter industry were Russian designers: (he created two operating models) and Boris Yuryev (invented the mechanism for tilting the propeller). The beginning of World War II spurred research in the field of helicopter construction, and in the 40s the first production models of rotary-wing machines were created. Almost immediately, the military became interested in the new ones, but only the US war in Vietnam fully revealed the combat potential of helicopters.

The birth of the legendary G8

In the Soviet Union, they tried to keep up with a potential enemy in the creation of helicopters, so two design bureaus, Kamova and Mil, were created, developing rotorcraft. Aviation enthusiasts know that these aircraft designers use different schemes for their machines. If Kamov's helicopters have two coaxial propellers rotating in the opposite direction relative to each other, then Mil's machines use the tail rotor to turn. According to the terms of reference, the development of the Mi-8 was planned as a modernization of the main helicopter of the Soviet Air Force Mi-4, and began in 1959. But the designer managed, with the support of N. S. Khrushchev, to insist on creating a practically new machine. Thus was born the legendary "eight" - the most massive and most recognizable Soviet helicopter. Based on it, many modifications were created, some of them, which are secret machines, to this day.

Export modification

Due to the fact that the "eight" very quickly became popular not only in the USSR, but also interested foreign allies, it was decided to create a special modification of the helicopter for delivery to foreign markets. If we compare the Mi-8 and Mi-17, and this is the index that the export vehicle received, then the main difference of this helicopter immediately catches the eye: the tail rotor on the tail boom is located on the left (on the Mi-8 - on the right). It was also envisaged to make changes to the design of the seventeenth, according to the requirements of a particular operator. The Mi-17 helicopter is produced in Kazan and Ulan-Ude.

Design

Structurally, the Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters are actually the same model. The main difference lies in the location of the tail rotor, its direction of rotation and the shortened nacelles of the power units. The main rotor is equipped with a vibration damper, its blades are made of fiberglass. The Mi-17 helicopter is equipped with two gas turbine power plants with a capacity of 1400 kW. In the event of a failure of one unit, it is possible to continue flying on the remaining engine. The gearbox VR-14 is used as a transmission. The Mi-17 helicopter uses equipment that ensures piloting in difficult meteorological conditions and at night, and on military modifications - a device for firing heat traps and chaff. The GSh-23 cannon and a heavy machine gun are used as weapons. It is also possible to place a variety of combat installations on an external sling.

Mi-17 helicopter: specifications

Power 2x1400 kW, main rotor with a diameter of 21.29 meters, speed: maximum - 250 km / h, cruising - 240 km / h, flight range - 465 kilometers. As we can see, the characteristics of the Mi-17 are at a fairly high level and do not lag behind the parameters of more modern machines.

Major modifications

Since 1981, when the Mi-17 helicopter got its start in life, a large number of its modifications have been produced, both in civilian and military versions. Let's consider some of them. The Mi-17P is designed to carry passengers, there is a "Salon" version of it, which is used for VIPs. The Mi-17 rescue helicopter, the photo of which is given in the article, has the M index, is equipped with an arrow with a winch and an onboard searchlight for searching for objects at night. Mi-17-1V is a transport vehicle with increased engine power and carrying capacity. Among other things, it is also intended for landing troops. In this case, regular weapons are installed on the external suspension.

Modern options

At the end of the 80s of the twentieth century, the Mi-17 was upgraded, which began to be produced under the Mi-171 index. On its basis, the Mi-171VA flying hospital equipped with an operating room was developed. It was intended to provide emergency medical care and evacuate the wounded from hard-to-reach areas. Mi-172 is a helicopter for transporting passengers with increased power of the new power plant. On the basis of the Mi-17, a flying "environmental laboratory" was also created, which is designed to monitor the state of the environment. The helicopter is equipped with equipment for sounding the surface of the earth and the atmosphere, radiological control, and analysis of the ecological state of the area. The fire variant is designed to localize and eliminate the source of fire in hard-to-reach and remote areas and in the forest. Equipped with a drainage device with a total volume of 2 cubic meters. The next modification of the helicopter - the Mi-17PL - is a jammer with It is designed to suppress the radar stations of aircraft and anti-aircraft missile systems, disrupt the operation of enemy air defense systems. The system allows you to choose the most effective type of interference for specific sources of radio emission. Mi-17MD is a modernized Mi-17 helicopter (a photo of the improved contours of the forward fuselage is presented in the article). For quick loading and unloading of paratroopers, the sliding doors of the saloon from the left side were increased to 1.25 meters. In the event of an emergency landing on water, a buoyancy maintenance system is provided, consisting of four balloonets, which are filled with gas for half a minute and keep the helicopter afloat for up to thirty seconds. The helicopter can be equipped with additional equipment and tanks.

Major operators

From the very beginning of its production, Mi-17 helicopters have gained immense popularity in different parts of the globe. And even now, having crossed their thirtieth anniversary, these machines conquer the skies of almost a hundred countries and serve in the United Nations. They can be found on all continents: from cold Antarctica to hot Africa. Helicopters deliver a variety of cargo and passengers, put out fires and evacuate the wounded, fight. The most numerous Mi-17 fleet belongs to Russia and the post-Soviet countries. Of the far abroad countries using these machines in both the civil and military spheres, India, Iraq, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Sudan and Turkey can be distinguished. I would especially like to note the aviation of Iraq and Afghanistan. To replenish it, the Pentagon signed a contract with Rosoboronexport for the supply of about a hundred Mi-17 helicopters. The United States, which has a very developed aircraft industry, has recognized that the Russian helicopter is most fully adapted for operation in high mountains and deserts, reliable and unpretentious in maintenance. On the basis of these deliveries, a conflict even arose between the US Army and American legislators: the Pentagon demanded that the sanctions imposed against Russia not concern the contract for Mi-17 helicopters. Also of interest is the fact that countries such as Romania, Sudan, Turkey and South Korea have been chosen for use in the Mi-17 police units. Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that time itself has no power over such successful machines as the Mi-8-17, and although more than 50 years have passed since the first helicopters of this model took to the air, this machine is still in demand and has a good resource for further modernization.

Mi-8 (V-8, product "80", according to NATO: Mi-8Hip- “thigh”) - a Soviet / Russian multi-purpose helicopter created by the Design Bureau named after M. L. Mil in the early 1960s. This machine is the most massive twin-engine helicopter in the world, and is also included in the list of the most massive helicopters in history. It is widely used in many countries of the world for most civil and military tasks.

Story

The first B-8 prototype took off on July 9, 1961; the second prototype of the B-8A - September 17, 1962. After a number of improvements, the Mi-8 was adopted by the Soviet Air Force in 1967 and proved to be such a successful machine that purchases of the Mi-8 for the Russian Air Force continue in our time. Mi-8 is operated in more than 50 countries, including India, China and Iran.

The modernization of the Mi-8 helicopter, which ended in 1980, led to the creation of an improved version of this machine - the Mi-8MT (product "88", which received the designation Mi-17 when exported), which is distinguished by an improved power plant (2 TV3- 117), as well as the presence of an auxiliary power unit. Mi-17 is not so widespread and is used in about 20 countries around the world.

In 1991, the production of a new civil transport modification Mi-8AMT (the export version is called Mi-171E) started, and in the late 1990s, the military transport and assault modification Mi-8AMTSh (Mi-171Sh).

In 2014, the 3500th helicopter of the Mi-17 family was delivered to the customer.

Design

A single-rotor helicopter with a 5-bladed main rotor and a 3-bladed tail rotor. The attachment of the main rotor blades is hinged (vertical, horizontal and axial hinges), and the tail rotor blades are combined (horizontal and axial), cardan type. The transmission of the Mi-8 helicopter is the same as that of the Mi-4 helicopter. The main rotor blades are all-metal, consisting of a hollow spar, extruded from an aluminum alloy, to the rear edge of which 24 compartments (on some versions 23) are glued with a honeycomb filler of aluminum foil, forming a profile. All main rotor blades are equipped with pneumatic spar damage alarm. Mi-8 is equipped with an electric anti-icing system of blades, which operates in both automatic and manual modes, and is powered by 208 volts alternating voltage. If one of the engines fails in flight, the other engine automatically switches to increased power, while level flight is performed without lowering the altitude. In the main mode, the main rotor rotates at a speed of 192 min-1, the tail rotor - 1445 min-1. The helicopter control system uses hydraulic boosters - three KAU-30B (combined control unit) to control the main rotor and one RA-60B (steering unit) to control the tail rotor.

The landing gear is tricycle, non-retractable, with a self-orienting front strut in flight. To prevent the tail rotor from touching the ground, there is a tail support. The helicopter's external suspension system makes it possible to carry cargo weighing up to 3 tons. The Mi-8 is equipped with a four-channel autopilot AP-34, which provides roll, pitch and direction stabilization, as well as flight altitude (+...-50m). In the passenger version, up to 18 seats can be installed in the helicopter cabin, in the transport version it is equipped with folding benches for 24 seats. To maintain a comfortable temperature in the cockpit and cargo compartment, the helicopter is equipped with a heating system, a KO-50 kerosene heater, and ventilation are used. Navigation and flight instruments and radio equipment in all modifications of the helicopter make it possible to fly at any time of the day in any weather.

Helicopters of different modifications differ very significantly in the composition of the equipment. Early helicopters (Mi-8, Mi-8T) are equipped with two TV2-117 engines with a capacity of 1500 hp, with a 10-stage compressor and start from a GS-18TO starter-generator installed on each engine. When starting the first engine, its starter-generator is powered by six on-board batteries 12CAM28 (starter aviation monoblock with a capacity of 28 Ah) with a voltage of 24 V, the second engine - from the starter-generator of an already running engine, and three batteries. When the GS-18TO engines are running, a voltage of 27 volts is supplied to the main power supply system. Four batteries are installed in the cockpit under the shelves of electrical and radio equipment, two on each side, the remaining two are behind the pilot's cabin in the cargo compartment, in the passenger version in the rear part behind the cabin partition. Despite the relatively small capacity, they are able to provide 5 engine starts in a row on the ground and in the air at altitudes up to 3 km, while giving a current of 600-800 amperes, when the engines are running, they are charged from DC generators and automatically turn off when the rated capacity is reached or turn on. in the event of a voltage drop in the on-board network (in case of generator failure) using differential-minimum relays DMR-600T, generator operation control system.

A three-phase voltage of 36 V for powering gyroscopic instruments is supplied by one of two PT-500Ts converters (main or backup), a single-phase current of 208 V with a frequency of 400 Hz to power the heating elements of propellers and windshields - an SGO-30U generator installed on the main gearbox. Also from SGO-30U through a single-phase transformer TS / 1-2, which supplies radio and navigation equipment, and from it - a transformer Tr-115/36, which supplies engine and transmission control devices with a single-phase voltage of 36 V, and through a transformer 115 / 7.5 - power supply for the contour lights of the main rotor. If SGO-30U fails, the blade heating elements are switched off, the rest of the equipment automatically switches to power supply from the PO-750A converter.

Later series helicopters (Mi-8MT, Mi-17, etc.) have been significantly upgraded. The engines were replaced with more powerful (2250 hp) TV3-117 with a 12-stage compressor and air start, an AI-9V APU was installed to supply air to the engine air starters, the starter-generator STG-3 of which, when the APU is running, can supply voltage 27 volt power of 3 kW for 30 minutes. The main power supply system with a voltage of 208 V, a frequency of 400 Hz is powered by two SGS-40PU generators located on the main gearbox. In the 27 V system, two 12SAM-28 batteries are installed to start the APU and emergency power, and three VU-6A rectifiers are installed for the main power when the engines are running. VU No. 1, propeller heating elements and a transformer TS310S04B (with a power of 1 kW) are fed from the first generator to power a three-phase 36 V network, from the right generator - VU No. 2 and No. 3, glass heating and dust protection device (PZU) of engines, transformer TS / 1 -2.

If generator No. 1 fails, TS310S04B automatically switches to generator No. 2; if both generators or the transformer itself fails, the PT-200Ts converter starts. If generator No. 2 fails, TS/1-2 switches to generator No. 1; if both generators or the transformer itself fails, the PO-500A converter starts up. Also, if generator No. 2 fails, VU-6A No. 3 switches to generator No. 1.

The helicopter has two hydraulic systems - the main and backup, the pressure in each is created by a separate pump NSh-39M, installed on the main gearbox. Pressure is regulated within 45+-3 ... 65+8-2 kgf/sq.cm. GA-77V automatic pump unloaders, supported by hydraulic accumulators - two in the main system and one in the backup. The hydraulic supply of consumers - RA-60B tail rotor control, KAU-30B common rotor pitch, two KAU-30B longitudinal and transverse controls, a movable stop in the tail rotor control system and the friction clutch of the Step-Gas handle - is switched on by separate electromagnetic cranes GA192.

Modifications

Experienced

V-8 - The first prototype with one gas turbine engine (gas turbine engine) AI-24V (single-shaft turboprop engine with a 10-stage axial compressor, an annular combustion chamber and a three-stage turbine) designed by A. G. Ivchenko. The first flight was made on June 24, 1961.

-V-8A - The second prototype with two gas turbine engines TV2-117 (aircraft turboshaft engine)

V-8AT - The third prototype.

V-8AP - The fourth prototype.

Passenger

Mi-8P - passenger helicopter has 28 seats. Equipped with rectangular portholes.

Mi-8PA - modification of Mi-8P with GTD TV2-117F engines (designed to operate in difficult climatic conditions)

Transport

Mi-8T is a transport and assault helicopter designed for the Air Force.

The Mi-8TS is an export version of the Mi-8T designed specifically for the Syrian Air Force, modified for dry climate conditions.

Multipurpose

Mi-8TV - "Transport, armed." has been in service with the USSR Air Force since 1968. It is distinguished by the installation of guides for 4 9M14M "Malyutka" ATGMs, an A-12.7 machine gun, armored cockpit, gearbox and engine hoods, cockpit bulletproof glass (mainly frontal).

Mi-8AT - helicopter with TV2-117AG engines.

Mi-8AV - air mine layer for ground forces. It was equipped with a BMP-1 minelayer. Which could set from 64 (in the first modifications) to 200 min.

Mi-8AD is a modification of an air mine layer for the ground forces, designed to lay small-sized non-removable anti-personnel mines.

Mi-8MT - modification with TV3-117 engines.

Mi-8MTV or Mi-8MTV-1 - modification with TV3-117VM, TV3-117VM series 02, VK-2500-03 engines. Serial production started in Kazan in 1988.

Mi-8MTV-5 - the shape of the bow ("dolphin nose") has been replaced. Since the end of 2013, it has been equipped with the Test-1 BUR instead of SARPP-12DM (SARPP-12D1M).

Mi-8MTKO - a variant with lighting equipment adapted to the use of an aerobatic night vision system.

Mi-17-1V - version of the Mi-8MTV intended for export

Mi-8AMT (export designation - Mi-171E) - version of the Mi-8MTV with minor changes, produced at the aircraft factory in Ulan-Ude (since 1991). There are different modifications: passenger, transport, search and rescue, VIP-salon, etc.

Mi-171 is a modification of the Mi-8AMT helicopter, it has a certificate issued by the Interstate Aviation Committee.

Mi-171A1 is a modification of the Mi-8AMT helicopter, which complies with the Airworthiness Standards for US rotorcraft FAR-29.

Mi-17KF - Mi-8MTV-5 modification with Honeywell avionics. The Mil Design Bureau was created jointly with Kazan Helicopter Plant by order of the Canadian company Kelowna Flightcraft. The first flight was made on August 3, 1997.

Mi-8TG - modification of Mi-8P with multi-fuel gas turbine engines TV2-117G (Improved version of TV2-117A with additional graphite bearing seals. TV2-117A engines are upgraded to TV2-117AG during repairs)

Mi-14 is a multipurpose amphibious helicopter.

Mi-18 - is an elongated version of the Mi-8MT. Not serially produced.

Mi-8MSB - Ukrainian modification with TV3-117VMA-SBM1V 4E series engines, for the Air Force (adopted in April 2014) and for export.

Mi-8TECh-24 - flying technical and operational unit. Equipped with locksmith, electrical, control and calibration and other equipment used during the operation and repair of helicopter equipment.

Mi-8TZ - tanker and transporter of fuel.

Mi-8BT - trawl towing vehicle.

Mi-8SP - special sea rescue.

Mi-8SPA is a search and rescue helicopter to search for astronauts and crews of other aircraft in case of splashdown.

Mi-8TL is a forest fire modification equipped with a massive water discharge system and a water cannon.

Mi-8S is a staff helicopter equipped with round windows.

Mi-8PS is a staff helicopter equipped with square windows.

Mi-8KP is a specialized command post for conducting large-scale integrated search and rescue operations.

Mi-8GR or Mi-8R is a reconnaissance helicopter designed for visual observation and photography in the front line.

Mi-8K - artillery spotter.

Mi-8TAKR - a helicopter with a television surveillance complex.

Mi-8VD - radiation-chemical reconnaissance helicopter.

Mi-8S is a modification of a helicopter with a combined power plant of turboshaft engines operating on a main rotor and a thrust turbojet.

Mi-8MTL is a reconnaissance aircraft with the possibility of simultaneous use of thermal imaging reconnaissance and radio interception with accurate determination of target coordinates.

Mi-8MTYu - It was designed in a single copy. Designed specifically to detect descent vehicles, small-sized surface targets, a radar antenna is located in the nose. Used by the Ukrainian Air Force.

Mi-AMT-1 - equipped with a high-comfort cabin (VIP-salon) for the government squadron of the President of the Russian Federation

Air command posts

Mi-8VKP or Mi-8VzPU - air command post.

Mi-8IV or Mi-9 - air command post intended for division commanders, serial modification.

Mi-9 is an air command post for commanders of motorized rifle and tank divisions. Equipped with an automated communication complex. Designed in 1987 on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-9R is an air command post created specifically for the commanders of missile divisions of the Strategic Missile Forces. Equipped with an automated communication complex. Designed in 1987 on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Medical

Mi-8MB - air hospital. Designed on the basis of the Mi-8T.

Mi-8MTB - armored air hospital. Created on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Mi-8MTVM is a medical modification of the Mi-8MTV.

Mi-8MTV-MPS is a medical search and rescue helicopter based on the Mi-8MTV.

Mi-17G is an air hospital variant designed for export.

Mi-17-1VA "Ambulatory" - a version of the Mi-8MTV in a sanitary version, designed for export.

Jammers

Mi-8SMV is a jammer equipped with a jamming station "Smalta-V" (Smalta-helicopter).

Mi-8PP - an electronic warfare (electronic warfare) helicopter, according to some reports, it is equipped with the Pole complex, but in the 70-80s. it was customary to call electronic warfare complexes by the names of plants, it is quite possible that this option is simply confused with the early versions of the Mi-8PPA.

Mi-8PPA - an electronic warfare helicopter equipped with Azalia and Fasol stations, according to some sources, a modified version of the Mi-8PP.

Mi-8MTP - jammer.

Mi-8MTPB - jammer.

Mi-8MTPI - jammer.

Mi-8MTPSh - jammer.

Mi-8MTD - jammer.

Mi-8MTR1 - jammer.

Mi-8MTR2 - jammer.

Mi-8MTS - jammer.

Mi-8MTSH1 - jammer.

Mi-8MTSH2 - jammer.

Mi-8MTSH3 - jammer.

Mi-8MTYa - jammer.

Mi-8MT1S - jammer.

Agricultural

Mi-8ATS is an agricultural version of the helicopter with fertilizer spraying devices. Designed on the basis of the Mi-8T.

Mi-8MTXh - agricultural helicopter. Developed on the basis of the Mi-8MT.

Drums

Mi-8AMTSh (export designation - Mi-171Sh) is a transport and attack helicopter equipped with a set of weapons equivalent to the Mi-24, a crew armor protection system and adapted for the use of night vision equipment. At the air show Farnborough-99 received the designation "Terminator". Since the end of 2011, it has been equipped with an on-board registration device Test-1 instead of SARPP-12. Since the end of 2013, it has been equipped with the Test-1 BUR with an extended list of recorded parameters (40 analog and 28 one-time).
Protection: EED, steel armor plates, LC ejection machine (False target - a device, structure, formation or means that imitates a real protected object in terms of signal characteristics, motion parameters (if the object is moving) and other signs essential for recognition and designed to divert electronic weapons from the actual target (protected object)), jammer, protected fuel tanks.

Capabilities: descent on a winch up to 4 people at the same time, a ramp, an IR searchlight, night vision goggles, an infrared camera.

Armament S-8 missiles in blocks, Attack missiles.

Mi-8AMTSh-1 - modification of the Mi-8AMTSh, equipped with a weapon system in combination with a high-comfort cabin (VIP-salon)

TTX Mi-8

	AT 8			Mi-18
Year of construction	1961	1965	1965	1975	1980	1987	1991	1991	2014
Crew, pers.	3	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
Number of passengers (paratroopers)	18	28	24	24	30	24	27	26
Length (with rotating propellers), m		25,31	25,31	25,31	25,31	25,31	25,31	25,31	25,31
Height (with rotating tail rotor), m		5,54	5,54	5,54	5,54	5,54	5,54	5,54	5,54
Rotor diameter, m	21	21,3	21,3	21,3	21,3	21,3	21,3	21,3	21,3
Empty weight, kg	5726	7000	6934	7200	7550	7381	6913	7514
Normal takeoff weight, kg	-	11570	11100	11100	11500	11100	11100	11878
Maximum takeoff weight, kg	-	12000	12000	13000	13000	13000	13000	no data	12500
Engines	1 x AI-24V	2 x TV2-117	2 x TV2-117	2 x TV3-117MT	2 x TV3-117MT	2 x TV3-117VM	2 x TV3-117VM	2 x TV3-117VM	2 x TV3-117VMA-SBM1V 4E
Engine power (at takeoff)	1 x 1900 l. With.	2 x 1500 l. With.	2 x 1500 l. With.	2 x 1900 l. With.	2 x 1900 l. With.	2 x 2000 l. With.	2 x 2000 l. With.	2 x 2000 l. With.	2 x 1500 l. With.
Maximum speed, km/h	-	250	260	250	270	250	250	250	260
Cruise speed, km/h	-	225	225	220	240	240	230	230	225
Dynamic ceiling, m	-	4200	4500	5000	5550	6000	6000	6000	9150
Practical range, km	-	425	480	520	580	590	570	715	600

Flight range, km:
- with additional fuel tanks 1300
-with a maximum supply of aviation fuel 800
- with a maximum load of 550
- Consumption of aviation fuel, t/h 0.72

Combat use of MI-8

Six Day War (1967) - at least 3 Egyptian Mi-8s destroyed by Israeli aircraft on airfields.
-Ethiopian-Somali War (1977-1978)
-Afghan war (1979-1989) - 40th Army lost 174 Mi-8 helicopters; the losses of helicopters of the border troops, SAVO and the Afghan army are unknown. During the Afghan conflict, a case of downing an Mi-8 from an old English Lee-Enfield rifle (“drill”) was recorded.
-Georgian-Abkhaz war (1992-1993)
-Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) - 6 Iraqi Mi-8s were shot down in the air by Iranian fighters. The total loss of Iraqi helicopters is unknown.
-Pakish War (1981) - one Peruvian Mi-8 helicopter was shot down by FAL rifles
-War in Karabakh
-First Chechen War (1994-1996)
- Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict (1998-2000)
-Invasion of militants into the Republic of Dagestan (1999) - the Russian army lost at least three Mi-8s.
-Kargil War (1999)
-NATO operation against Yugoslavia (1999) In 1999, a Serbian Mi-8 shot down a reconnaissance UAV from a machine gun. A similar incident occurred in 2000.
-Second Chechen War (1999)
-War in Afghanistan (since 2001)
-War in Iraq
-Operation Bhutan against Assamese resistance 2003
- Armed conflict in South Ossetia (2008)
-Civil war in Syria (since 2011)
- Armed conflict in the east of Ukraine (2014)

Operated:

Used in over 50 countries worldwide

Russia - 534 in 2010, 34 Mi-8s (22 Mi-8AMTSh, the rest Mi-8AMT and Mi-8MTV) were put into operation at the Budyonnovsk and Korenovsk air bases (10 Mi-8s). 53 Mi-8AMTSh in 2013
-Azerbaijan
-Algeria
- Argentina - in 2010-11 a contract was signed for six Mi-171E for flights from the coast of Argentina to Antarctica
-Armenia - as of 2014, 3 m-17v were also purchased
-Angola
-Afghanistan - a contract was concluded for the supply of 21 military transport Mi-17V5.
-Bangladesh
-Brazil - in 2011, three Mi-171A1s were manufactured for the ATLAS airline.
-Belarus
-Bulgaria
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Burkina Faso
-Butane
-Venezuela - 20 Mi-17s (in service with the country's Air Force), 6 Mi-17s have been ordered.
-Hungary
-Vietnam
-Ghana
-Guyana
-Germany
-Georgia - in 2011, there were 17 in service. Mi-8T
-Djibouti
-Zambia
-Egypt
- India - a large number of Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters are operated, delivery of another 80 helicopters, Mi-17V-5, is planned.
-Indonesia - 6 Mi-17-V5 were delivered in July 2008 under an agreement concluded in 2005.
-Iraq - in 2010, the United States placed an order for the Iraqi Air Force for 80 Mi-17 helicopters (of which 46 were in use), 68 were delivered by 2012.
-Iran - 5 Mi-171s have been ordered, of which 2 have already been delivered.
-Kazakhstan
- Cameroon - in 2013, an agreement was signed for the supply of a batch of Mi-17s.
-Canada
-Kenya
-Cyprus
-Kyrgyzstan
-China
-North Korea
-Colombia
-Cuba - in 2011, there were 2 in service. Mi-8R and 8 pcs. Mi-17
-Latvia - as of 2011, there were 4 in service. Mi-17
-Libya
-Lithuania - in 2011, there were nine Mi-8s in service
- Macedonia
-Mexico
-Moldova
-Mongolia
-Myanmar
-Nepal
-Nigeria
-Nicaragua - as of 2011, 16 pcs. Mi-17 is in service
-UAE
-UN
-Pakistan
-Transnistria
-Poland
-Peru - In 2010, 6 Mi-171E and Mi-171Sh were purchased.
-Romania - in 1968, 25 units were delivered. Mi-8T and 14 pcs. Mi-8PS, in 1985 - 3 more pcs. Mi-17; in the 1990s, two more Mi-17s were purchased for the police, one Mi-17-1V and one Mi-17-1VA; in 2001 they were decommissioned by the army (put in storage and transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs).
-Syria
-Serbia
-Slovakia
- Sudan - 6 units were purchased in 2012, in 2013 a contract was signed for the supply of 16 transport Mi-8s. Sudan Police - 1 Mi-17V-5 (b/n 101, serial number 736M07)
-USA - 70 Mi-17V5 units were purchased for missions in Afghanistan.
-Sierra Leone
-Tajikistan
-Turkmenistan
- Turkey - 19 units were ordered in 1993 and delivered in 1995. Mi-17-1V for the gendarmerie, in 2007 one helicopter crashed for technical reasons
-Ukraine
-Uzbekistan
-Finland
-Chad
-Montenegro
-Czech
-Croatia
-Sri Lanka
-Ecuador
-Eritrea
-Estonia
-South Korea. Police of the Republic of Korea - 3 Mi-172, as of the beginning of 2014.
-SOUTH AFRICA
-South Sudan

The Pentagon prefers the Russian Mi-17V-5

The next batch of three military transport helicopters, manufactured in Russia under a contract with the US Department of Defense, was supposed to go to Afghanistan in June. According to a source in the Russian military-industrial complex (DIC), at the moment, within the framework of the contract with the Pentagon, Rosoboronexport has to supply five batches of Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters, three units each, to Afghanistan.

The main contract for the supply of 21 helicopters, signed by Rosoboronexport with the US government on May 26, 2011, was completed by mid-2012. In 2013, Russia completed the transfer to the customer of 12 more military transport Mi-17V-5s under an agreement concluded as part of an option to the main contract.

In 2013, Rosoboronexport and the White House agreed and signed an agreement for an additional batch of 30 helicopters to be delivered in 2014. Their purpose is the joint struggle of countries against international terrorism.

In total, in accordance with bilateral agreements, the Afghan army will receive 63 Mi-17V-5 helicopters. All lighting equipment of the machines is adapted for the possibility of flying at night. The total value of the contract is about $1.2 billion. The Russian helicopter acquisition activity is part of a broader US and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) operation aimed at providing capacity building for the Afghan National Security Forces.

According to Western sources, the air corps of the Afghan National Army ANA (Afgan National Army) currently has ten attack Mi-24 / Mi-35, eight military transport Mi-8 and 48 Mi-17V-5, the total number of which by the end of the year will increase to 63 units. Under a contract with Rosoboronexport, the Mi-17V-5 is manufactured by the Kazan Helicopter Plant (KVZ). The vehicles supplied to Afghanistan have 17 Western-made components that have been integrated into Russian on-board equipment.

As experts noted, these Mi-17V-5s are capable of performing combat missions. “In accordance with the design agreed with the American side, the helicopters are being manufactured in a military transport version, which is equipped with weapons, in particular blocks of unguided rockets, cannon containers with a 23-millimeter cannon,” said a representative of the Russian defense industry.

Reliable in a storm

Prior to the direct contract with Rosoboronexport, the Americans tried to retrofit new Russian helicopters on their own at a repair base in the United Arab Emirates (the city of Sharzha). Today, under the contract for the supply of Mi-17V-5, all work is carried out at Kazan Helicopter Plant, which has proved its effectiveness both in terms of production time and the highest quality of execution. They are carried out under the control of the helicopter developer - the Moscow Helicopter Plant, as well as representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense. “Thanks to this, the American side, for the first time in its practice, received ready-made Mi-17V-5 helicopters that do not require modifications and meet the requirements and conditions of the region in which they are operated,” emphasized a source in the defense industry.

Earlier, Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of Russia, said that a US delegation had visited the Kazan Helicopter Plant, which produces helicopters for Afghanistan. “American representatives inspected the plant, including the fuselages already made. They were pleasantly surprised by the level of organization of production and the technical equipment of the enterprise,” said Dzirkaln. - We have constant contact with representatives of the US Department of Defense, a working group has been created to monitor the implementation of the contract on both sides. There are no contradictions with American partners.”

According to Anatoly Isaikin, General Director of Rosoboronexport, the helicopter contract with the Pentagon was one of the most difficult due to conflicts related to US law. “We have never worked under such conditions,” he said. “Now we may have prospects for the supply of other types of weapons for the Afghan army under a similar scheme.”

Transportation of all helicopters assembled at Kazan Helicopter Plant is carried out to Kabul by An-124 Ruslan transport aircraft of Volga-Dnepr Airlines. On one flight, the An-124 delivers three vehicles to Afghanistan, placed in the cargo hold with the main rotor blades undocked.

“The US Department of Defense positively assesses the quality of the Mi-17V-5 helicopters received for Afghanistan from Rosoboronexport,” Dzirkaln emphasizes. According to him, recognition of the high flight qualities and reliability of the Mi-17V-5 from the American side was the presentation on November 9, 2011 of a certificate recognizing the procedures for ensuring and maintaining the airworthiness of helicopter equipment existing in the Russian Federation. US officials have repeatedly stated that they chose Russian helicopters because of their unprecedented high reliability, including in conditions that exist in deserts where severe sandstorms are not uncommon.

In a letter from the leadership of the NSRWA (Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft) Directorate of the Ministry of the Ground Forces, it is noted that the Russian side has done an excellent job of adapting foreign flight and navigation instruments for the use of night vision goggles. The representative of the defense industry complex informed that from the very beginning of deliveries in 2011, the American side did not have any complaints about the quality of aircraft: “All helicopters arrived in Kabul on time, they were assembled, flown around, and after signing the appropriate acceptance certificate, the customer used them for their intended purpose. . The serviceability of the fleet of delivered Russian helicopters exceeds the required level of 80–90 percent, and this indicator meets all the requirements.” The source informed that the average annual flight time of one Mi-17V-5 in Afghanistan is more than 200 hours: "This figure is higher than the average annual flight time of ordinary operators."

The overhaul life of the Mi-17V-5 helicopter is 2000 hours or 8 years. At present, the Russian side is working to increase the assigned resource of the helicopter (the time interval between the introduction of the rotorcraft into operation and its disposal). Today, the service life of the Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopter can reach 35 years.

Despite the fact that the US government does not use the opportunity to purchase spare parts for the operation and repair of Mi-17V-5 helicopters directly from Russian special exporters, in the future, when overhauling the Americans, according to the source, they will still have to turn to the manufacturer. Abroad, of course, there are a number of enterprises that are able to work with Russian aircraft, for example, in the Czech Republic or the United Arab Emirates. Zaporozhye Motor Sich JSC has the ability to repair engines. “However, the US will have to turn to Russia for the maintenance of gearboxes, transmission bushings and so on – the manufacturer of these important components,” the defense industry official said. According to him, in Afghanistan and Iraq, taking into account newly delivered and decommissioned helicopters, a total of more than 200 Russian-made aircraft are in operation.

Senators - against, military - for

Rosoboronexport drew the attention of the Pentagon to the need for proper and legitimate after-sales service for Russian Mi-17V-5s supplied to Afghanistan under a contract. According to the data available to the Russian side, at present, the expected need for overhaul and overhaul of all types of helicopters operated in Afghanistan and other countries in the interests of the United States is currently over 170 units.

“The Russian side has all the necessary conditions for carrying out repair and restoration work and meeting such a high demand for maintaining the airworthiness of previously delivered helicopters,” Anatoly Isaikin emphasized.

The US military considers the implementation of the contract for the supply of Russian helicopters for Afghanistan to be very important in the light of the fight against international terrorism and ensuring the build-up of the capabilities and potential of the Afghan national security forces. This was stated by the official representative of the Ministry of Defense George Little.

When asked to comment on the ongoing attempts by the Republican opposition in Congress to block further purchases of Russian military equipment for the Afghan armed forces, Little said that the vehicles being acquired are an important support for the Afghan Air Force: “They need just such a helicopter, it is very important for them, because it complements the fleet used helicopter technology.

Earlier, the Senate of the US Congress introduced an amendment to the bill on assistance to Ukraine regarding the severance of business relations between US government structures and Rosoboronexport. The submitted document contains a proposal to ban participation in US government contracts for any American or foreign company that, in turn, interacts in the field of development, production and sales with Rosoboronexport. Prior to this, a number of members of the House of Representatives of Congress appealed to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel with a request to suspend cooperation with the Russian exporter of military equipment.

Despite the constant pressure from congressmen and calls for the imposition of sanctions, for the refusal to purchase Mi-17V-5 for the armed forces of Afghanistan, the military takes a completely opposite position. “The problem is that Pentagon representatives are quietly asking them (congressmen) to postpone these measures, since Rosoboronexport is supplying helicopters used by the Afghan air force, which is currently experiencing difficulties,” Christian Science Monitor cites sources in the Senate. "They use the word 'flexibility' when talking to us, which means they want us to make a major exception for Rosoboronexport," a congressional staffer told the paper.

The sanctions imposed against Russia do not affect the contract with Rosoboronexport for the purchase of Mi-17V-5 for the armed forces of Afghanistan, Rear Admiral John Kirby, Pentagon spokesman, confirmed in an interview with reporters. According to him, the Afghans are in dire need of Russian technology. “They are used to these cars. This helicopter meets their security needs,” Kirby explained. “Therefore, we continue to support them through this contract.”

That the Armed Forces of Belarus received new Mi-8MTV 5-1 helicopters.

The transfer of six Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters took place in September this year. The vehicles were placed at the disposal of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus. The delivered helicopters are the first batch under the contract for the supply of twelve Mi-8MTV-5 military helicopters, which was signed by representatives of the Russian Helicopters holding during the Army-2015 International Military-Technical Forum. The transfer of the next batch of six cars is scheduled for 2017.

The means of combat survivability include: armored protection of the cockpit and vital systems, screen-exhaust devices for engines that reduce infrared radiation, protection and polyurethane foam protection of fuel tanks, a fire protection system, duplication and redundancy of sources of hydro- and power supply and main control circuits.

Mi-8MTV-5 is equipped with beam holders, which can accommodate: bombs with a total mass of up to 2 tons, up to 4 pieces, blocks of unguided rockets, guided missiles, removable gun mounts caliber 23 mm. Small arms (up to 8 firing points): bow PKT machine gun, aft PKT machine gun, AKM assault rifles, PK and RPK machine guns on the sides

The cockpit has special night vision equipment. It allows you to fly in the dark at low altitudes, as well as land and take off from non-equipped sites. In addition, the helicopter is equipped with modern communication systems.

Possibilities:
Transportation and operational disembarkation;
Transportation on a stretcher accompanied by medical staff;
Transportation of goods in the cargo compartment - up to 4000 kg;
Destruction of enemy forces, including armored vehicles, surface targets, structures, fortified; firing points and other moving and fixed targets;
Landing fire support;
Escort of military columns;
Search and rescue operations, reconnaissance operations, patrols /

The Mi-8MTV-5 has changed doors and hatches, the shape of the bow. A left door extended by 0.4 m and an additional standard size right door are installed. Instead of manually folding cargo flaps, a ramp is installed that opens using a hydraulic drive, which reduces the time it takes to prepare the helicopter for loading and unloading and avoids manual operations. The fuselage design makes it possible to upgrade the helicopter and equip it with additional equipment. The helicopter can be equipped with a dust protection device. The forward part of the fuselage has a nose cone rising up, which allows access for servicing the equipment placed there.