The Mi-8 is a medium transport helicopter powered by two turboshaft engines, developed in the early 1960s at the Mil design bureau in the USSR as a successor to the piston-powered Mi-4. The first prototype, powered by a single engine, was flown in 1961. The next prototype, powered by two TV-2 engines, was flown in 1962. The Mi-8 became one of the most widespread transport helicopters in the world. Many versions were developed — transport, passenger, VIP, rescue and specialised versions, such as a flying command post. Over 9,000 examples have been produced and production of further developments continues to this day. Based on the Mi-8 design, the Mi-14 amphibious helicopter was also developed. In NATO code, the Mi-8 is designated Hip.
In 1976, the Mi-17 development version (designated Mi-8M in Russia) was introduced, powered by more powerful TV-3 engines, which increases the helicopter’s operational capabilities in mountainous terrain and hot climate conditions, which was exploited by the Soviet army in the war in Afghanistan.
In the Polish military aviation, Mi-8 helicopters in transport, passenger, VIP and rescue versions have been in use since 1968, and Mi-17 since 1987. Three Mi-8s were also operated by the Police aviation.
The museum example in VIP version, serial number 10635, was delivered to Poland in 1977. It was operated by the 103rd Aviation Regiment of the Vistula Military Units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Warsaw with side number 635, and subsequently by the National Police Headquarters with registration SN-40XP. It flew 3,226 hours and 15 minutes until November 2011 and underwent three major overhauls. It was donated to the Museum’s collection by the National Police Headquarters in April 2024.
| Length | 25.24 m (with rotor blades) |
| Rotor diameter | 21.3 m |
| Empty weight | 6,835 kg |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 12,000 kg |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h |
| Range | 520 km |
| Ceiling | 4,500 m |
| Powerplant | two TV-2-117 turboshaft engines of 1,500 hp |
