Russian helicopters in all their beauty

The Mil Mi-8, NATO reporting name Hip, is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Union, and now produced by Russia. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platfor. 

All photos by Vadim Savitsky

The Mi-24 went from drawing board in 1968 to first test-flights in less than eighteen months. The first models were delivered to the armed forces for evaluation in 1971. The Hind-A did have a number of problems: lateral roll, weapon sighting problems, and limited field of view for the pilot. A heavy redesign of the aircraft front section solved most of these problems

All photos by Vadim Savitsky

The Russian Mil Mi-24 helicopter has had a large number of variants.

All photos by Vadim Savitsky

Mi-35 is a modernized version of Mi-24

All photos by Vadim Savitsky

The Mil Mi-28 (NATO reporting name "Havoc") is a Russian all-weather, day-night, military tandem, two-seat anti-armor attack helicopter. It is a dedicated attack helicopter with no intended secondary transport capability, better optimized than the Mil Mi-24 gunship for the role. It carries a single gun in an undernose barbette, plus external loads carried on pylons beneath stub wings

Russia will develop and test a prototype Mi-28 with 5th generation attack helicopter features by 2017. This improved version is named Mi-28NM and has been in development since 2008. Specific characteristics are not known, but may include a low radar signature, extended range, advanced weapons control systems, air-to-air engagement capability, and increased top speed of 600 km/h (370 mph).Recent press reports a new helmet imaging and targeting system which has been designed to display all the necessary visual information and for aiming at targets in any field of view

All photos by Vadim Savitsky

Mil Helicopters is the short name of the Soviet Russian helicopter manufacturer Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant  (design bureau prefix Mi), named after the constructor Mikhail Mil. Mil participates in the Euromil joint venture with Eurocopter. Mil merged with Kamov and Rostvertol to form Oboronprom Corp in 2006. The Mil brand name has been retained, though the new company dropped overlapping product lines.

All photos by Vadim Savitsky

The Mil Mi-26, NATO reporting name: Halo is a Soviet/Russian heavy transport helicopter. Its product code is izdeliye 90. Operated by both military and civilian operators, it is the largest and most powerful helicopter to have gone into series production

All photos by Vadim Savitsky

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