The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. Geometry has pivoted and parented components ready animation. Ideal for close-ups and integration with live-action footage.

Texture

Color, bump and specular maps are provided. Textures are 2048 x 2048. PSD of the textures are also included. 

History

Designed originally in 1960, the V 8 'Hip-A' prototype helicopter was basically a turbine-powered version of the Mi-4, retaining initially its rotor, transmission and a number of other components. Intended powerplant was two Isotov turboshaft engines, but as these were not fully developed when the V 8 was nearing completion, it was powered instead by a single large Soloviev turboshaft derated to the 2013kW limit of the transmission, for its first flight in June 1960. However, the second machine (flown for the first time on 17 September 1962) introduced the Isotov engines, each then rated at 1119kW, and this became the standard installation on early production aircraft, designated Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name 'Hip'). The only other major change to be introduced since that time resulted from problems with the main rotor inherited from the Mi-4, replaced in 1964 by a five-bladed rotor of more advanced design in the 'Hip-B' prototype. The availability of so much engine power, by comparison with the 1268kW of the Mi-4, meant the new helicopter had a larger cabin, providing accommodation for a crew of two or three and up to 28 passengers in a standard airline configuration. Since series construction began, a total of 10,000 Mi-8s have been built, for both civil and military use. Some components are built in China.