The first prototype of Mi-8 (the world’s most popular helicopter) performed its first flight 50 years ago on August 2nd 1962. At present Mi-8s are operated in more than 100 countries, said in the statement of Russian Helicopters’ press-service. AEX.ru

"During the 50 years of serial production and modernization of this model Soviet and Russian enterprises manufactured over 13000 Mi-8s and developed over 130 modifications of the helicopter. These are Мi-171, Мi-172, Мi-8МТV-1, Мi-8МТV-2, Мi-8МТV-5 helicopters and other civil and military versions", - the company noted.

Mi-8 developed by the designers of MIL Moscow helicopter plant is not just a hero of the day – it is the first-class multi-role helicopter, one of the most successful commercial products of Russian helicopter industry, popular in many countries of the world. The following plants of Russian Helicopters Holding Company are manufacturing Мi-8/17 helicopters: Ulan-Ude aviation plant and Kazan Helicopters. The current order backlog of these enterprises provides workload for at least 2 years (this refers to production of Mi-8 Family helicopters), Russian Helicopters explained.

The upgrading of Mi-8 is still underway: MIL Moscow helicopter plant (part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company) is carrying out the assembly of the first Mi-171A2 prototype. Theconceptoftheupgradedhelicopterhasbeendefined. Мi-171А2 is being developed on the basis of Мi-171, and it will become the worthy member of Мi-8 Family.

It is planned that the helicopters of this type will be equipped with new avionics; some components of the vehicle will be made of composites (this solution will help decrease the helicopter’s weight); all the main systems and units will be upgraded, the helicopter’s overall performance will be improved. Over 80 new solutions will be used during development of the new modification. The crew will be reduced to two members; it will have an essential impact on the economic efficiency, Russian Helicopters explained.

Mi-8 helicopters participated in many local conflicts, saved thousands of human lives; endured thermal shocks, arctic weather and disastrous heat, tropical rains and dust of the deserts. These vehicles flew deep in the mountains and at extremely low altitudes, landed in hard-to-reach places; they were based outside airfields under conditions of minimum maintenance.

The base helicopter became a platform for development of Mi-14 amphibious helicopter. Mi-8 helicopter developed in the middle of last century is one of the most successful and efficient helicopters in its class. It will remain popular and competitive form any years.