Photo: weaponsystems.net
The Mi-8 is a helicopter that already proved its mettle, but every once in a while, we still come across additional proof the Russians have managed to create one of the toughest flying machines the planet has ever seen.
Entering service back in 1961, the Mi-8 is still on duty today, as it’s often considered the world’s most-produced helicopter, with over 17,000 units being used by so many countries out there.
And a quick look at its specifications shows the Mi-8 is the right military helicopter for the job. The Mi-8MT, for example, has enough room for 24 passengers and can carry up to 4,000 kilos (8,818 lbs) of military weapons and equipment.
It has a maximum speed of 250 kph (160 mph/139 kn), with a cruise speed of 240 kph (150 mph/130 kn), while the range is close to 500 km (310 miles/267 nautical miles).
But in addition to all these specifications that certainly impress the moment you see them on paper, the Mi-8 can fly in the most extreme conditions. And you don’t necessarily have to trust us on this, but the many videos showing the helicopter dealing with brutally cold weather.
It is the case of the video you can find below, which serves as the living proof that an Mi-8 landing at -46 degrees Celsius (-50.8 degrees Fahrenheit) isn’t by any means impossible.
In theory, the Mi-8 shouldn’t necessarily suffer any structural or physical damage from the cold temperature, but the main concern when flying at -50 degrees Celsius is, without a doubt, that the fluids could easily freeze up in the air. In some cases, the crew turns to heaters to prevent the fuel and the hydraulic fluids from freezing, while others use additives to deal with cold temperatures for a shorter period of time.
At the of the day, the video is the confirmation the Mi-8 is here to stay, even after so many years in production, no matter the challenge the world throws at it.
And a quick look at its specifications shows the Mi-8 is the right military helicopter for the job. The Mi-8MT, for example, has enough room for 24 passengers and can carry up to 4,000 kilos (8,818 lbs) of military weapons and equipment.
It has a maximum speed of 250 kph (160 mph/139 kn), with a cruise speed of 240 kph (150 mph/130 kn), while the range is close to 500 km (310 miles/267 nautical miles).
But in addition to all these specifications that certainly impress the moment you see them on paper, the Mi-8 can fly in the most extreme conditions. And you don’t necessarily have to trust us on this, but the many videos showing the helicopter dealing with brutally cold weather.
It is the case of the video you can find below, which serves as the living proof that an Mi-8 landing at -46 degrees Celsius (-50.8 degrees Fahrenheit) isn’t by any means impossible.
In theory, the Mi-8 shouldn’t necessarily suffer any structural or physical damage from the cold temperature, but the main concern when flying at -50 degrees Celsius is, without a doubt, that the fluids could easily freeze up in the air. In some cases, the crew turns to heaters to prevent the fuel and the hydraulic fluids from freezing, while others use additives to deal with cold temperatures for a shorter period of time.
At the of the day, the video is the confirmation the Mi-8 is here to stay, even after so many years in production, no matter the challenge the world throws at it.
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