Flight by helicopter MI-8 over the snow-covered Surgut (Photo)

Photo essay — Sergei Anashkevicha

Today you will find a story about another landmark for aviation aircraft.
It is produced from the 60s to the present day Russian Mi-8 helicopter, which is one of the most popular helicopters in the world's history.
The palm of the amount made machines, he is second only to light multi-purpose vehicle and Bell UH-1 "Iroquois" and "Huey", but it is the most popular twin-engined helicopter in the world. Total produced more than 12,000 Mi-8 helicopters, of which more than 2,000 exported to more than 40 countries. Half of them are still in operation.
Another world record is a number of modifications of MI-8 — more than 80 — transport, passenger, military, medical, agricultural, etc. And for good reason: this model of helicopter is designed to carry a huge range of applications in various fields of human activity in various parts of the globe.
Just recently I had a chance to see up close and personal with one of those workaholic performing transportation tasks in the north of Russia and hold it for about an hour, Surgut and circled around them important economic facilities.

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

Interesting facts about the Mi-8:
— all produced more than 12,000 Mi-8 helicopters of all modifications;
— average annual production of about 350 units
— value of a car is from 14.5 to 17.5 million dollars, depending on the version;
— cost of one hour of flight — about 3.5 million U.S. dollars;
— hour helicopter burns about 700 kg of fuel
— MI-8 was used in 15 major wars and armed conflicts around the world;

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

A little history

3. In the late 1950s, both abroad and in the Soviet Union to work to create a second generation of helicopters with turboshaft engines, and in May 1960. to cost centers began to develop a new multi-purpose helicopter to replace the well-established in the multi-purpose use of the Mi-4. Its first flight experienced helicopter V-8 made in June 1961, and on July 9 was first demonstrated on air festival at the Tushino airfield in Moscow.
Initially, the MI-8 was developed for military purposes, but in 1964, after Khrushchev's removal, the command of the Air Force was not put into service the Mi-8. Were purchased only a few dozen machines for testing. However, the Mi-8 was highly appreciated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the USSR, has ordered a massive series. And soon after that rotary-wing aircraft was expecting an unprecedented triumph.
In June 1965, the Soviet Union presented at an international air show in Le Bourget, one of the most impressive displays. Helicopters Mil — Mi-8, Mi-6, and a flying crane Mi-10 caused a sensation among experts. After the air show in Le Bourget leadership of the military command of the USSR finally evaluated the merits of the Mi-8. It was used as a landing, transport, medical helicopter, flying command post, director min.

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

4. Modernization of the Mi-8, which ended in 1980, has led to the creation of an improved version of this car — Mi-8MTs (the export — MI-17), which features improved power plant (2 TV3-117) and the presence of auxiliary power Position. The Mi-17 is not so widely distributed and used in about 20 countries around the world.
In 1991 the company started production of a new civil transport modification of the Mi-8AMT (export version called Mi-171E), and in the late 1990s — a military assault transport and modification of the Mi-8AMTSh (Mi-171SH).
May 19, 2010 in Konotop were flight tests of the Mi-8 MTV engines with the latest modifications TVZ-117VMA-SBM1V. Set a world record when the helicopter in 14 minutes 09 seconds up to a height of 8100 meters. The maximum engine capacity — 2000 liters. s. maintained for 30 minutes. Featured characteristics allow multipurpose helicopters Mi-8, surely fly in the mountains in the most extreme altitudes. Earlier in the trial of military Mi-24 with the same engine has recorded the highest rate of climb for the helicopters. At the height of 5000 meters helicopter took just nine minutes.

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

5. Helicopter fuselage frame structure consists of a bow and central parts, the tail and the end beams. In the bow is placed triple cabin crew consisting of two pilots and a flight engineer. Cabin windows provide a good view, right and left sliding blisters are provided with mechanisms for emergency drop.

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

6. The helicopter has a tricycle landing gear

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

7. Wipers brushes resemble a conventional car

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

8. March 2013, the airport of Surgut. The technician prepares a MI-8 helicopter to fly over the PS Surgut. It was on this machine, released in Kazan in 1991, we, and fly over the city and its surroundings

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

9. The commander of the board is calling for a landing. After a few minutes of taking off

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

10. Drifting snow, lifted the 10-meter blades on the runway of the airport

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

12. Snow dust from the unwinding of screws before the sun

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut< /li>

13. Releasing technician

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

14. Our Mi-8 is slightly rolling on the tarmac and gently lifted into the air

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

15. Here is the cockpit during flight.

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

16.

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

17. Cottage settlement eyes of the pilot …

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

18. … and a lens

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

19. If the cab to lift his head up, see the escape hatch. Well, it's better to look ahead ….

Flight to MI-8 over Surgut

20. In the vicinity of the mass of Surgut oil and gas companies, and at some point you start to get tired of hundreds of tanks, barrels, terminals and pipelines