The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting
name "Hip") is a large twin-turbine transport helicopter
that can also act as a gunship. The first single-engine
(AI-24W) prototype, W-8, flew in 9 July 1961. A second one
with two AI-24W engines made its first flight on 17
September 1962. After few changes it was introduced into the
Soviet Air Force by 1967 as Mi-8. There are numerous
variants, including the Mi-8T which in addition to
carrying twenty four soldiers is also armed with rockets and
anti-tank guided missiles. The navalized Mil Mi-14, and
attack Mi-24 are derived from the Mi-8.
The Mi-8 is used by over 50 countries, including India, China and Iran; the latest variant, known as the Mi-8MT/Mi-17 is more heavily armed and was introduced in 1981. The Mi-17 is less widely used, employed by around 20 countries.
