Russia Delivers New Mi-8MTV-1 Transport Helicopters to Its Army.

The Russian Helicopters holding company of the Rostec State Corporation has delivered a new batch of Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters to the Kamchatka region and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. These helicopters, produced at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, were delivered under a contract with the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK). The helicopters are provided to carriers through a preferential leasing program for domestic aircraft.
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The Mil Mi-8 is a versatile transport helicopter, originally designed in the Soviet Union and currently manufactured in Russia. (Picture source: Rostec)

The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters are equipped with two additional external fuel tanks, increasing their total capacity by 1830 liters. This enhancement extends the flight range up to 1050 km without refueling, which is particularly beneficial for regions with extensive flight routes, such as the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Yuri Bezdudny, Governor of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, expressed his gratitude: “The Naryan-Mar United Aviation Squadron is our key transport enterprise. With the renewal of our air fleet, we ensure the safety and efficiency of our aviators in performing various critical tasks. These helicopters support passenger, cargo, and medical flights, conduct search operations, extinguish wildfires, and rescue sailors on the Northern Sea Route. We appreciate the assistance of Yevgeny Ditrikh, head of the State Transport Leasing Company, in procuring these new aircraft.”

The Mil Mi-8 is a versatile transport helicopter, originally designed in the Soviet Union and currently manufactured in Russia. Developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant design group, the Mi-8 made its first flight on July 7, 1961, and was introduced into service in 1967. Primarily manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant and the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, this helicopter remains in service today, underscoring its ongoing significance in global aviation.

The Mi-8 is distinguished by its transport role, although several armed versions also exist. Primarily used by the Soviet Union, Russia, and the Indian Air Force, this helicopter is deployed by approximately 80 other countries, demonstrating its reliability and versatility. Its production, which began in 1961, continues today, with over 17,000 units built, making it the world's most-produced helicopter.

The capabilities of the Mi-8 are not limited to transport; it has spawned variants such as the Mil Mi-8M/Mi-17 and has also been developed into the Mil Mi-14 and Mil Mi-24. These developments showcase the adaptability and continuous evolution of this helicopter, which remains a cornerstone of both military and civilian aviation worldwide.

“The Mi-8 series is renowned for its reliability and robustness, making it one of the most sought-after helicopters on the market. These qualities are especially crucial for carriers operating in extreme conditions, such as the Far North or mountainous regions. Today, we delivered a new Mi-8MTV-1 to the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the third such delivery since 2023. Another helicopter is on its way to Kamchatka to undertake various tasks, including supporting regional tourism in mountainous areas,” stated Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec State Corporation.

These helicopters can also be outfitted with medical modules for emergency ambulance services and are equipped with enhanced lighting systems for low-visibility flight conditions.

Yevgeny Ditrikh, head of GTLK, emphasized the importance of these deliveries: “As a key player in the transport industry, GTLK is committed to supporting regional development. We recognize the critical social importance of helicopter transportation in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug and are pleased to assist in fleet renewal. Given the high demand for Mi-8 helicopters, we are considering expanding our preferential leasing programs to better serve all interested parties.”

The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters continue to be improved upon at the Kazan Helicopter Plant, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of their operators.