Maximum speed mi 8. What is the fastest helicopter? helicopter speed
Helicopters in modern world are of great importance. And not only in the military sphere, but also in national economy: transportation of goods, transportation of people to distant objects, where conventional vehicles cannot be reached. Helicopters are also used in the construction and installation of large facilities. And at the same time, the question is interesting, but at what speed does a helicopter fly? And which helicopters are the fastest?
Ka-50
Immediately catches the eye. And in this he is helped not only by an unusual appearance but also the rotors. There are two of them. And they are made in a coaxial pattern. Due to this, the screws are located one above the other, and their rotation occurs in opposite directions.
This scheme allowed the designers of the machine to abandon the tail rotor in the tail section. The absence of a tail rotor made it possible to increase the reliability of the vehicle in combat conditions. In addition, the twin-screw scheme made it possible to reduce the area of \u200b\u200bthe rotors.
This scheme increased the maneuverability of the machine. In addition to the ability to move sideways and backwards at speeds up to 100 km / h, the combat vehicle is also capable of performing aerobatics - "dead loop" and "combat funnel".
In addition to the excellent flight characteristics that this helicopter possesses, the speed of the Black Shark exceeds 400 km/h!
Ka-52
Such remarkable characteristics did not prevent the fact that in 2009 the production of the Ka-50 was discontinued. The main point for making such a decision was the criticism of the single-seat scheme. On the basis of the Black Shark, it was decided to develop its two-seat modification - the Ka-52.
This decision was due to the fact that a complex of optoelectronic and radar reconnaissance equipment was installed on the helicopter.
It was to manage this complex that a second crew member was needed. For these purposes, the cockpit of the helicopter has been redesigned. Now another crew member began to be placed next to the pilot of the combat vehicle, and at the same time, the speed of the helicopter was 4 times higher than the cruising speed of the vehicle.
Combat helicopter Mi-28N "Night hunter"
It is also interesting under the nickname "Night hunter". This is the most modern attack helicopter MI-28N.
The main tasks that this machine is capable of performing:
- Fire support for ground forces.
- Fight against enemy tanks.
- Fire support for air assault formations.
- Destruction of the airborne forces.
- Destruction of low-speed low-flying targets.
This is an extensive list of tasks that this helicopter is capable of performing. Its speed can reach 300 km/h. The cruising speed is 265 km/h.
In the export version, this combat vehicle has the index MI-28NE "Night Hunter". And for this task, the helicopter underwent a deep modernization:
- Equipped with new avionics.
- Availability of night vision devices.
- Updated navigation aids.
The updated version bears the designation Mi-35. He now has a truly revolutionary on-board electronics, which is integrated into the on-board complex avionics-28. The brain of the complex is two duplicated computers "Baguette - 53-15".
The main advantages of the new equipment:
- The device is equipped with numerous sensors that facilitate piloting, including at night.
- The result is displayed on the screen in the form of multifunctional indicators.
- Allows you to solve the problems of aiming both in the daytime and at night and under various weather conditions.
Possessing high performance characteristics, which, by the way, allow the Mi-28N to perform, the Night Hunter was included in the legendary Berkut helicopter aerobatic team.
Helicopter Mi-24
Mi-24 at first glance seems heavy and clumsy. Nevertheless, this helicopter was tested during military operations in Africa. Also in Afghanistan, this combat vehicle has become a symbol of those hostilities.
In combat use, this is a fairly fast helicopter. The speed it can reach is 335 km/h. With a crew of two, with a rotor diameter of 17.5 m, cruising speed is 270 km / h. With such data, the Mi-24 can be safely ranked as one of the fastest combat helicopters.
At the same time, it should be taken into account that the helicopters were put into service in 1970 and built according to the classic single-rotor scheme. The main rotor is five-blade, three-hinged. And the steering - three-blade.
The designers paid special attention to the combat survivability of the helicopter. To do this, in addition to booking the cabin and engine hoods, if one of the engines is damaged, an automatic transfer of the second engine to takeoff mode is provided.
From 1970 to 1989, 2570 such machines were mass-produced.
In addition to the military campaign in Afghanistan, this helicopter managed to prove itself in both And also in local ones both in the CIS (in Nagorno-Karabakh and South Ossetia) and abroad. Mi-24s took part in operations in Yugoslavia and Sierra Leone, where they especially appreciated the fact that the helicopter flies at a speed of almost 340 km / h.
"Black Hawk"
In terms of speed, the Sikorsky UH-60 "Black Hawk" ("Black Hawk") is slower than the Mi-24.
In 1976, evaluation tests were carried out, and the US Army chose the Sikorsky company to supply these helicopters for service. $83.4 million was allocated for the production of the first batch of 15 vehicles of the UH-60 Black Hawk series.
Based on the UH-60, the creation of a whole series of helicopters for various purposes has been launched. He also came into service with the US Army, to replace the Bell UH-1 helicopter. Various modifications of this helicopter were supplied not only for the needs of the army, but also exported to 21 countries.
The flight characteristics made it possible to increase the speed of the helicopter. With a cruising speed of 282 km / h, the maximum permissible speed of the Hawk can reach 361 km / h, taking into account the practical range of a helicopter flight of 584 km.
"Hawk" has found its application both in combat purposes and in search and rescue operations. In the US Army, it is used as a staff helicopter.
special helicopters
Now small aviation is also beginning to develop in Russia. So, in Vladivostok, Eurocopter AS-350B3e helicopters were purchased for the needs of medical aviation.
Installed on new air ambulance vehicles:
- defibrillator;
- artificial lung ventilation apparatus;
- infusor pump;
- electric aspirator.
Also, rescue vehicles are equipped with a set of transport tires and equipped with a stretcher.
240 km / h and at the same time at one gas station it is able to fly 4 hours, which in the conditions of the region allows it to overcome the distance from one end to the other.
Westland Lynx
The British-made WestlandLynx, or Lynx, also made the list as the fastest production helicopter. And here it should be noted that when the car first took to the airspace in 1971, the standard speed was 260 km / h.
And by 1986, the helicopter had been upgraded, during which the engine power was increased by 40%, and other special blades were installed on it.
The modernization carried out significantly improved the helicopter. The speed has increased by 1.5 times from the previous one. Now its indicator is 400.9 km / h. At the same time, there is enough fuel for 280 km, with a take-off weight of 4875 kg.
In military conditions, the helicopter is able to accommodate 9 fighters and carry weapons from 8 wire-guided anti-tank missiles. Also, the helicopter was equipped with a 1 x 7.62 mm Minigun onboard machine gun, which is operated by a regular door gunner.
Modern tendencies
Modern realities are such that further development of the Russian helicopter industry requires the transfer of production to the territory of the Russian Federation.
So, the Ukrainian AI-98 power plant was replaced with the domestic model TA-14. Nowadays, work is underway on the modification of the Mm-8AMTSh-V helicopter. This will allow the use of the helicopter in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. Also in the plans of Russian helicopter manufacturers by 2020 it is planned to occupy 20% of the market. At the same time, the speed of the helicopter is constantly increasing. In an hour, rotorcraft are able to cover ever greater distances on one gas station.
Such tasks set by the Russian aviation industry will allow not only to maintain the leading positions in the world in this market, but also to expand it by increasing the range of helicopters produced.
The Mi-8 helicopter is the most popular helicopter around the world, which performs both civilian and military tasks.
this year, Mi-8s were put on the production line and put into service
The history of the creation of this machine dates back to the second half of the last century, when the first B-8 prototype flew into the airspace of the USSR. In 1965, Mi-8s were put on the production line and adopted by the Air Force and Air Defense Forces of the Soviet Union.
The technical characteristics of the Mi-8 helicopter are so successful that they remain relevant to this day and the production of the machine continues to this day. It is operated in more than 50 countries around the world.
Without a doubt, the machine is becoming obsolete, but the Mi-8 keeps up with the times and helicopters are constantly being upgraded. The modernization of the 80th year led to the fact that the machine received a more powerful, as well as an auxiliary engine, due to which the flight range and maximum speed of the Mi-8 helicopter increased.
The design of the Mi-8 helicopter
The Mi-8 is a single-rotor helicopter equipped with five rotors and three tail rotors. The main rotor blades are mounted using a hinged mount, and the rudder is of a combined and cardan type.
The blades are entirely made of metal and consist of a hollow aluminum spar. Each of the blades has a pneumatic fault alarm.
The main transmission components are the main and intermediate gearboxes, the transmission tail shaft, the front fan shaft, and the tail gearbox.
The Mi-8 fuselage can be visually divided into several parts: nose, center and tail. The tail section is represented by tail and end beams.
Mi-8 has two engines, the failure of at least one automatically starts an increase in power on the second. This feature of the power plant does not allow loss of speed and controllability, and more than once helped experienced helicopter pilots during flights.
Mi-8 modifications
Since its inception, the helicopter has come a long way and has undergone countless upgrades, as a result of which it received the following modifications:
- Experienced. The first prototypes of the helicopter and its modernized copies (V-8, V-8A, V-8AT, V-8AP);
- Passenger. Modifications of this type are primarily intended for the use of helicopters in the interests of civil aviation for the transport of passengers. These are Mi-8P, Mi-8PA, Mi-8PS, Mi-8TP, Mi-172;
- Transport. Instances of the Mi-8, the dimensions of which are increased, are intended for the transport of goods weighing up to 4 tons. (Mi-8T, Mi-8TS);
- Multipurpose. This modification has the largest range of vehicles, since helicopters of these particular types can perform the largest number of assigned tasks. As a rule, multi-purpose helicopters are used by the military. An example is the laying of anti-personnel mines during hostilities and the dropping of paratroopers.
Mi-8s are used by rescuers to extinguish forest fires.
In agriculture, Mi-8 helicopters are used to spray fertilizers.
Medicine and electronic warfare helicopters are very interesting. Electronic warfare helicopters perform the task of protecting front-line aviation from being hit by anti-aircraft missile systems. Medical options for helicopters are presented in the form of an air hospital and search and rescue models for searching for astronauts and aircraft in distress.
The latest innovation in the series of helicopters of the series was the Mi-8 MTV - this modification has acquired improvements in the field of speed and maneuverability, as well as an increase in the carrying capacity of the helicopter with the ability to attach cargo to the external suspension of the helicopter.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the Mi-8 helicopter (TTX)
Main specifications Mi-8 helicopters are listed in the table:
Required crew, pers. | |
Maximum flight speed, km/h fully loaded with normal loading |
|
Power of one engine, h.p. | |
Power point |
|
Cruise speed Mi-8, km/h | |
Flight altitude, m | |
Flight range, km with maximum load with normal loading |
|
Fuel consumption on the Mi-8 helicopter | 0.680 t/h |
Takeoff weight, kg Maximum takeoff weight, kg |
|
Mass of cargo on external fastening, kg | |
Helicopter weight, kg |
Armament
The capacity of the Mi-8 is impressive. Military specimens are equipped with 4 installations of unguided aircraft missiles, there are 4 removable rifle and cannon installations with two GSh-23L guns. The helicopter can carry a bomb load of up to 2000 kg of bombs weighing 50-500 kg.
A 12.7 mm machine gun can be mounted in the nose of the helicopter, and up to 8 7.62 mm machine guns can be mounted in the blister openings. Anti-tank missiles ATGM "Malyutka" can also be installed.
Afghan war veteran
In Afghanistan, the use of helicopters was of particular importance. In the mountains of the Afghan desert, the use of aircraft was often difficult, and it was here that helicopters came to the rescue.
Thanks to the excellent performance characteristics of the Mi-8 helicopter, mobility and good armor, the vehicles performed a wide range of tasks: from transporting cargo and landing personnel to providing air fire support.
Early 80s in the 34th mixed air corps, which was at that time in Afghanistan, 110 “turntables” were deployed, more than half of them were Mi-8s. It was these machines that had to take on the entire heavy burden of the war in Afghanistan.
In January 1980 With the help of a significant helicopter landing force, the second most important city in Afghanistan, Kandahar, was taken under the control of the Soviet troops. When using the Mi-8 in February of the same year, an assault force was thrown out near the village of Kojagar to restore traffic along the road occupied by the spirits. During this operation, helicopter pilots delivered the first casualties to the airfield.
In the first winter of the Afghan war, the G8 provided military units that were stationed in the DRA. Due to the snow, most of the roads were difficult to pass or completely impossible for the delivery of goods.
For closer interaction with military units, helicopter squadrons were allocated to help motorized rifle and airborne divisions. As a rule, helicopter units in Afghanistan had from one to four squadrons in their ranks.
Without air support, the actions of the special operations forces would have been impossible. The eight special forces battalions that were available in Afghanistan were combined into two brigades, each of which was allocated one helicopter squadron.
In 1987 the use of helicopters was hampered by the increased air defense of the Mujahideen. Helicopters began to be used mainly at night. Operations at night were carried out by mixed groups of Mi-8 and Mi-24 attack helicopters.
Mi-8 has made a huge contribution to the fight against gangs in Afghanistan.
Without them, air support and provision of military units and subunits with supplies would be impossible.
Disasters in peacetime
In its history, Mi-8s have both heroic pages of use in various conflicts and rescue operations, and tragic ones in case of engine failures and mistakes made by helicopter pilots.
April 24, 2012 Mi-8MT helicopter belonging to the Russian Air Force made a hard landing near the city of Khabarovsk. The Mi-8 helicopter, weighing almost 7 tons, fell from a height, but the crew received minor injuries. It was impossible to restore the car.
Landing Mi-8 was unsuccessful. Khabarovsk 2012
July 11, 2013 The Mi-8, which was flying in the direction of Ulan-Ude-Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, was forced to land on one engine. There were no casualties.
A helicopter is a technique, and a technique tends to break down. That is why the competent actions of the crew on board can save many lives, and the technical staff should carefully check the equipment entrusted to them before departure.
Light multi-purpose helicopter AW109 with its maximum speed of 311 km/h and cruising speed of 285 km/h is one of the most popular machines among its kind. The "hundred-ninth" production of the Anglo-Italian concern AugustaWestland was purchased by the armies of many countries, including South Africa, Sweden, New Zealand and Malaysia.
The AH-64D Apache, which is in service with the United States, is considered one of the best multi-role combat helicopters. In an emergency, it accelerates to 365 km / h. And cruising speed is 265-270 km / h.
The Russian MI-26 (NATO classification - Halo) is not only the largest helicopter in the world, but also the fastest among the heavy transport brethren. Its maximum speed is 295 km/h, cruising speed is 265 km/h. The helicopter is equipped with two gas turbine engines with a capacity of 11,400 horsepower each, capable of covering a distance of 800 km and climbing to a height of 4600 meters.
The Russian attack helicopter MI-28N or "Night Hunter" not only "sees" the enemy from a distance of 35 km even in the dark, but also rushes towards him at a maximum speed of 300 km/h. In cruising speed, it competes with the American AH-64D Apache: 265-270 km / h.
Another Russian-born attack helicopter, the Ka-52, or Alligator, can fly over 5,000 meters and reach a top speed of 300 km/h. The Alligator is capable of taking off and landing in extremely low and extremely high temperatures.
The NH90 multi-purpose military helicopter was developed by the Franco-German consortium Eurocopter and is in the service of many countries that are part of NATO. A powerful engine allows the device to climb to a maximum height of 3200 meters with a climb rate of more than 11 m/s. Its maximum speed is 291 km/h.
The representative of a new generation of helicopters with two gas turbine engines AugustaWestland AW139M is gaining a maximum speed of 310 km/h. At the same time, cruising is slightly less - 306 km / h.
AW101 Merlin is a medium-lift helicopter that extreme conditions can take the bar at 309 km / h (cruising speed - 278 km / h). The Anglo-Italian concern AugustaWestland produces it for both military and civilian purposes. The machine takes on board more than 30 people and carries out search and rescue operations at a distance of more than 800 km.
The Russian multi-purpose attack helicopter Mi-35M can handle a speed of 320 km/h. It can carry out military service in various weather conditions, around the clock.
The American heavy helicopter CHF-47 Chinook is designed to transport troops, artillery, equipment and various cargoes. Despite the bulky appearance, this is a fairly nimble device with a maximum speed of 282 km / h.
The unofficial speed record in descent (487 km/h) and in level flight (472 km/h) belongs to the rotorcraft of Eurocopter c short name x3. But so far we are talking only about demonstration models. When these "sprinters" get into mass production (and whether they get at all), it is not known exactly. In the meantime, proven "horses" carry out military service - somewhat slower, but reliable.
They look like giant buzzing bees, but appearances are deceiving. These ten helicopters are the fastest in the world. Speed is one of the most important characteristics in combat, as well as to move troops and in rescue operations. The fastest helicopter can move at a speed of 500 km/h.
© RIA Novosti, Grigory Sysoev International Aviation and Space Salon "MAKS-2011"10. Mi-26 (NATO codified Halo)
The maximum speed is 260 km/h.
This Russian transport helicopter is a unique monster of its kind, its size exceeds all analogues in the world. The Mi-26 is equipped with two motors, the power of each is 11,400 hp. The length of the helicopter body is 40 m, the diameter of the propeller is 32 m. The Mi-26 can easily lift a passenger plane.
This helicopter model has been used for 40 years, since 1977. In 1986, Mi-26s were used in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident.
9. Mi-28N "Night hunter"
The maximum speed is 300 km/h.
Soviet Union developed a number of successful models of helicopters. After the collapse of the USSR, the factories and the helicopter fleet were transferred to Russia. Part of the helicopters and aircraft remained in the former Soviet republics, which previously participated in the formation of the united air force. Mi-28N debuted in 1988, that is, a year before the end Soviet war in Afghanistan and three years before the collapse of the Soviet Union. This modern attack helicopter specializes in destroying tanks and armored vehicles, as well as slow air targets.
8. Agusta Westland AW139
The maximum speed is 306 km/h.
This helicopter model exists in military and civilian versions and is also used in rescue operations at sea. A military helicopter is capable of carrying up to ten fully armed soldiers or fifteen passengers. The helicopter was assembled in different parts of the world, including in American Philadelphia and in Russia, where the Rostvertol holding was engaged in this. Today the company operates in the UK and Italy.
The Uppdrag granskning TV show reported that the Swedish Maritime Authority had purchased seven rescue helicopters of this model from the Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland, however, as it turned out, the deal was rigged in advance.
7. AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin (EH101 until 2007)
The maximum speed is 309 km/h.
One of the fastest military transport helicopters in the world. Equipped with three Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 motors, which provides high speed and large payload. The power of each of the engines is 2,270 hp. The maximum height to which the helicopter rises is 4,575 m.
AW101 Merlin can be used at temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees. Neither ice nor, for example, sand in the desert interferes with his work.
Such helicopters are in service with a number of countries, including Great Britain, Denmark, Canada, Italy, Japan, and Portugal.
6. Mi-35M
The maximum speed is 310 km/h.
These helicopters were first used in combat in the Ogaden War between Ethiopia and Somalia in the 1970s, in which the Soviet Union supported Ethiopia. The helicopter can accommodate eight paratroopers with all equipment. But today's Mi-35M bear little resemblance to their predecessors. The model is constantly evolving and is now equipped with the most modern means of aeronautics and navigation.
In addition to Russia, such helicopters are available in Brazil, Venezuela and Azerbaijan.
5 Boeing CH-47 Chinook
The maximum speed is 315 km/h.
An old reliable transport helicopter, not yet decommissioned. This model has been produced since 1962. Connoisseurs of military history know that the CH-47 Chinook was used during the Vietnam War, and later modernized versions visited Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands War.
The CH-47D modification has enough space for 33 soldiers and three crew members, the CH-47F has 55 passenger seats. There are several versions of this twin-engine helicopter, the fastest one reaching speeds of 315 km/h.
4.NH90
The maximum speed is 324 km/h.
NH90 is the fruit of cooperation between four NATO countries, a twin-engine military helicopter in two versions - TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter for transporting tactical troops) and NFH (ship-borne NATO Frigate Helicopter).
The NH90 is suitable for use in the toughest conditions - day and night, over land and over water. Excellent performance in naval operations. The impressive cruising speed of the helicopter is 300 km/h, which makes it one of the fastest in the world. If necessary, the helicopter is equipped with a door machine gun.
In the Swedish Defense Forces, the NH90 is designated Hkp14. In its full configuration, it forms the basis of operational helicopter operations on land and at sea.
3. Ka-52 "Alligator"
The maximum speed is 350 km/h.
Another Russian product, the Ka-52, is called a new generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter. It can destroy tanks, armored and unarmored ground targets, fire on enemy troops, engage in routine patrols and escort military convoys.
2. AH-64D Apache
The maximum speed is 365 km/h.
Back in 1972, the US Army formulated a request for a special modern attack helicopter. After several changes in manufacturer and the creation of a number of modifications, the AH-64D Apache appeared, which was first used in combat in 1989 during the US invasion of Panama. Later, such helicopters participated in various operations in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan. They showed themselves especially well during the Gulf War, destroying hundreds of armored vehicles.
There are several modifications of the helicopter, and many countries have purchased them, despite the high cost. In accordance with current exchange rates, one such helicopter has to pay about half a billion crowns.
1. Eurocopter X3
The maximum speed is 472 km/h.
On June 7, 2013, the Eurocopter X3 set an unofficial helicopter record with an incredible speed of 472 km/h. The power of each of the two Rolls-Royce / Turbomeca turboshaft engines installed on the Eurocopter X3 is 2,270 hp.
During the tests, the helicopter accelerated at 1700 m per minute.
Eurocopter X3 is not yet mass-produced. The question is whether there will be demand for mass production of this exceptionally expensive project. In any case, work on it continues. And everyone who wants to admire the Eurocopter X3 can do so at the Air and Space Museum in Paris, where it has been on display since June 2014.
The materials of InoSMI contain only assessments of foreign media and do not reflect the position of the editors of InoSMI.
The most massive Soviet helicopters are still serving in the Russian Air Force and around the world (export version Mi-17). Numerous modifications of these machines are widely used for both military and civilian purposes. They are still in demand in the global helicopter market, are constantly being improved and will be in operation for decades to come.
History of creation
Multipurpose Mi-4 with a single piston engine and a four-bladed main rotor, it has proven itself, but its time is over and in the late 50s of the last century, the development of second-generation helicopters with turboshaft engines began. In 1961 in Tushino for the first time they showed new car AT 8 with one theater engine above the cockpit, but still with a main and tail rotor, tail boom and transmission, inherited from Mi-4. Only the fuselage and power plant were new. AI-24V.
Two engines were installed on the next prototype TV2-117, main rotor with five blades and a tail rotor of increased rigidity. This machine received the designation and in September 1962 was tested in the air. The designers boldly went for the introduction of original technical improvements.
Glue-welded joints and stampings of large dimensions from duralumin were widely used, the synchronization and speed of the main rotor were regulated new system automation, the external suspension was radically different from the old one. So in the design bureau of M.L. Mile received a start in life for a new gas turbine helicopter.
Description of the helicopter
The aerodynamic layout is based on a scheme with one five-bladed main rotor and a tail rotor of three blades. The steel rotor hub with all-metal blades is located in horizontal and vertical hinges and is controlled by a cyclic pitch handle in longitudinal control. The main and tail rotor blades are equipped with an electric anti-icing system.
In the all-metal semi-monocoque of the fuselage, the cockpit is located in front. Inside, two pilots sit side by side, a flight technician is placed a little behind in the middle on a folding chair. A new autopilot that stabilizes the helicopter in roll, pitch, heading and speed, height and hovering height is included in the standard equipment.
Two turboshaft gas turbine engines TV2-117A are installed on top of the helicopter body in special engine nacelles, the sidewalls of the nacelles recline and provide a convenient approach to the power plant for maintenance. The air intake located above the engines serves as a channel for air access to the oil cooler fan.
The cargo cabin accommodates 24 people on folding seats, in the sanitary version, 12 stretchers for the wounded are installed. There are cargo fastening points on the floor, a winch with a load capacity of 200 kg is located above the front door. For loading equipment, a double-leaf cargo hatch and a ramp are used.
The tail section of the fuselage consists of a tail boom, with a tail rotor placed on it, a Doppler speed and drift meter, a stabilizer and a support that prevents the tail rotor from touching the ground. The landing gear of the helicopter consists of three supports, the front strut is fixed in the air during flight, the supports are not removed.
The standard radio-electronic equipment includes VHF and HF radio stations, an automatic radio altimeter, an automatic radio compass and a Doppler speed and drift meter.
Since 1989, they have been equipped with a meteorological radar in a container located under the fuselage, long-range navigation equipment operating on the LORAN system and equipment that stabilizes the helicopter in hover mode.
The performance data of the Mi-8T
- Fuselage length - 18.17 m
- The height of the rotor hub - 5.65 m
- Helicopter length with rotating propellers - 25.24 m
- Engines - 2 X TV2-117A
- Thrust-to-weight ratio - 2 X 1481 hp
- The weight of an unloaded helicopter is 7160 kg
- Maximum takeoff weight - 12 tons
- Fuel supply - 1870 l
- Additional tank in the cargo compartment - 980 l
- Maximum ground speed - 260 km / h
- Maximum rate of climb - 450 m / s
- Dynamic ceiling - 4500 m
- Ferry range - 930 km
- Combat radius - 350-480 km
Armament
- Suspension points - 4 beam holders
- NUR S-5 - 32 pcs. in blocks UB-32-57
- NUR S-5 - 192 pcs. in blocks UB-32-57 (since 1979)
- PTR "Phalanx" - 4 pcs
- Air bombs 250 kg - depending on the load
- Small arms - 12.7 mm machine gun
Combat use in Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, Soviet helicopters solved the widest range of tasks - the transportation of personnel and cargo, the evacuation of the wounded, the provision of direct fire support, and much more. Thousands of Soviet officers and soldiers owe their lives to these machines.
In the Afghan war, helicopter pilots improved their tactics by adopting the “turntable” technique, it was used when attacking by a group, when they approached a target from a dive and covered each other at the exit. The chain of firing points was attacked by the front of helicopters, lining up with a ledge relative to the leading one. Between the mountains in narrow gorges they attacked one by one with the minimum possible interval.
With no combat experience and shackled by various instructions and restrictions, the pilots who arrived in Afghanistan quickly learned during combat missions. Only those who quickly mastered maneuvers with high g-forces survived: turns with a roll of up to 90 degrees, combat turns in the manner of fighters, a dive, from which the ground filled the entire view in the cockpit, and slides with negative g-forces, unacceptable for a helicopter in theory.
The pilots said that they really learned to fight in Afghanistan and did not tell the Union about their achievements, the instructions and prohibitions in their homeland were still in effect.
In general, in this war, annual losses amounted to 30-35 helicopters, a whole regiment was out of action per year, but a large percentage of losses fell on the flight crew. The main losses occurred during the landing and withdrawal of paratroopers on the fired areas - 50% and about 15% during the transportation of people and cargo.
Mi-8 disasters in peacetime
Analyzing catastrophes and accidents that happened outside of hostilities, it can be stated that the main flight accidents occurred: due to the human factor - 41.5%; aircraft equipment failure - 37.7%; bad weather conditions - 7%; for other reasons - 14%.
Here is the most characteristic disaster due to the human factor. While flying over the city of Grozny on March 10, 2005 in the Chechen People's Republic, the helicopter caught on a high-voltage power line. 15 people died, one managed to survive.
Here is another similar, but more resonant catastrophe. April 28, 2002 near the village of Ermaki, in conditions of poor visibility, crashed into a power line. On board was the Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory Alexander Lebed and his inner circle. Together with the head of the region, 9 people died.
The case of human negligence is confirmed by the following catastrophe. During the flight from Surgut to Lyantor on August 30, 2001, a cable fell out of open door hit the tail rotor area and was thrown into the main rotor. The car became uncontrollable, rolled over and crashed into a swamp. Five people died.
In such cases, as they say, comments are superfluous.
Video: Mi-8 crash