Mi-2 in the chemical reconnaissance and smoke screen laying version. In the late 1950s, work began in the USSR on a successor to the Mi-1 helicopter. The new helicopter was to carry 8 people and be powered by a turbine engine. At the Klimov design bureau, work began on the GTD-350 engine, modelled on the American Allison 250. The prototype of the V-2 helicopter, powered by two GTD-350 engines, was flown in 1961. In 1963 it entered production under the name Mi-2. In 1964 licensed production of the helicopter and engine was transferred to Poland. The first series-produced examples were manufactured in 1965.
In civil aviation, Mi-2 helicopters continue to be operated for transport, passenger and patrol purposes. They also fly in police aviation. Numerous military versions of the Mi-2 were developed: transport-medical, passenger, training, rescue, chemical reconnaissance and photogrammetric. Based on the Mi-2, the PZL Kania helicopter was developed, powered by Rolls Royce/Allison 250 engines and equipped with Bendix/King avionics, offering significantly improved performance.
The helicopter with side number 6048 is an example of the chemical reconnaissance and smoke screen laying version. It is equipped with the WZD-80 system, in which engine exhaust gases are used to generate smoke, as well as contamination detection equipment. Mi-2 6048 served in the 56th Combat Helicopter Regiment and in the 3rd Liaison and Transport Aviation Squadron, from where it was transferred to the Polish Aviation Museum in 2005.
| Rotor diameter | 14.56 m |
| Fuselage length | 11.94 m |
| Takeoff weight | 3550 kg |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h |
| Ceiling | 4000 m |
| Range | 410 km |
| Armament | – |
| Engine | two GTD-350 turboshaft engines, 400 hp each |
