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 widely used transport helicopters in the world. Numerous versions were produced: transport, passenger, VIP salon, rescue and specialised versions, such as an airborne command post. Over 9,000 examples were produced and production of developmental versions continues to this day. The Mi-14 amphibious helicopter was also developed based on the Mi-8 design. In the NATO reporting code, the Mi-8 is designated Hip.
In 1976, the developmental version Mi-17 (designated Mi-8M in Russia) was developed, powered by more powerful TV-3 engines, which increased the helicopter’s operational capabilities in mountainous terrain and hot climate conditions — a feature exploited by the Soviet Army during the war in Afghanistan.
In the Polish military aviation, Mi-8 helicopters in transport, passenger, VIP salon and rescue versions have been in service since 1968, and the Mi-17 since 1987. Three Mi-8s are also operated by the Police aviation.
The museum’s Mi-8 in the VIP passenger version, serial number 10620, side number 620, was manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant in 1973. It served in the 36th Special Transport Aviation Regiment in Warsaw. It was one of the regiment’s Mi-8s that served during the visits of Pope John Paul II to Poland. The helicopter was transferred to the Museum’s collection in December 2009.
| Rotor diameter | 21.3 m |
| Fuselage length | 25.24 m |
| Takeoff weight | 12000 kg |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h |
| Ceiling | 4500 m |
| Range | 520 km |
| Armament | – |
| Engine | two TV-2-117 turboshaft engines, 1500 hp each |
