Mi-8 is a helicopter with 2 turbine engines, one 5-blade-rotor and one 3-blade-tail-rotor of metal construction, for universal use.
Fuselage
The fuselage is constructed of 3 parts -two-men pilot's cockpit, transport cabin and a tail rotor bearer. The cabin for freight transport is equipped with a gate and loading platform. The fuselage is of metal latticework structure. On the fuselage bulkhead there are anchorages for the fixed tricycle undercarriage and the hanger for outside load up to 3 000 kg. The support on the rear bottom aims to avoid damage of the tail rotor.
Undercarriage
The Mi-8 has a fixed tricycle front-type undercarriage with single main wheels and a doubled controllable nose wheel.
Engines
The helicopters Mi-8 and Mi-8/17 are driven by two turbine engines N-117 and TB-3-117 A (1670 kW) respectively by constructor S. R Izotoff. The drive transfer to the tail rotor is mounted inside the rear part of the fuselage.
Equipment and Armaments
The Mi-8 is equipped with a four-channel auto-pilot AP-34B, other equipment enable the helicopter to operate even in the night and under adverse weather conditions. The special crane version used a closed-loop television. The military versions are equipped according to their aims.
