Two new Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters have been built by the Russian Helicopter holding company of Rostec State Corporation for the airline “Kolymavia.” The livery of the helicopters is a striking design that draws inspiration from the natural pattern of killer whales. The Kazan Helicopter Plant built these aircraft under a contract with the State Transport Leasing Company (STLC). The helicopters will be required to operate in the challenging environments of the Far East, Siberia, the Urals, and the Far North.
In the coastal waters of the region, killer whales are frequently observed, serving as an informal symbol of Magadan. In the Magadan region in Far Eastern Russia, the aviation fleet has already come to be distinguished by helicopters that are designed to resemble whales. Two Mi-38 helicopters in a comparable livery were delivered to “Kolymavia” earlier this year.
“Today, in addition to reliability and performance, customers increasingly pay attention to the appearance of the equipment. We see that such features as industrial design and striking liveries are becoming more popular globally. This trend is reflected both in new products, which we design with current aesthetics in mind, and in equipment already well-known to operators. A good example is the new Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters styled as killer whales for the Magadan region. These are reliable, proven helicopters capable of operating in extreme weather conditions. In the near future, the new ‘Eights’ will fly from Kazan to Magadan on their own, covering 6,500 kilometers and passing over 11 cities in Russia,” Rostec representatives said.
So what is this Helicopter?
A versatile multirole helicopter, the Mil Mi-8MTV-1, also known as the Mi-17-1V, was developed from the Mi-8 family, which has been in production since the late 1960s. In 1987, this particular model was introduced and is predominantly used for civil and military applications, such as transport, firefighting, and various specialized conversions..
The helicopter is a medium twin-turbine aircraft that is intended for a variety of applications. It is typically equipped with a single pilot configuration and can accommodate a maximum of 24 passengers or an equivalent cargo capacity. It operates on non-retractable axles and includes a single main rotor and a dedicated tail rotor in its lift mechanism. The Mi-8MTV-1 is currently in widespread use in a number of countries and remains operational.
The Mi-8MTV-1 is known for its robust design, which enables effective operations in extreme environmental conditions, spanning from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius. Advanced navigation systems enable secure operations in challenging weather conditions, regardless of whether it is day or night. The cabin’s extraordinary adaptability is one of its most remarkable features, as it can be rapidly reconfigured to accommodate a variety of missions, such as cargo handling, passenger transport, and critical medical evacuation services.
The Mi-8MTV-1 is a member of a comprehensive helicopter family that includes numerous specialized variants. The Mi-8MTV-2 model boasts increased performance, armor upgrades, and updated systems, in contrast to the base Mi-8MTV model, which provides standard capabilities. The Mi-8AMTSh is an armed assault version that is equipped to transport advanced weaponry, while the Mi-8MTV-3 is a military-focused variant that features more external hardpoints.
The Mi-8MTV series has been deployed by more than 50 countries for a variety of missions and is internationally recognized for its adaptability and reliability. These encompass personnel transport, search and rescue operations, and critical logistical support during military engagements. It is an invaluable asset in both civilian and military contexts due to its extraordinary payload capacity of up to 4 tons, which demonstrates remarkable operational flexibility and versatility.
With a global production of more than 12,000 units, the Mil Mi-8MTV-1 is one of the most successful helicopters in aviation history. Its enduring relevance in contemporary aviation is emphasized by its continuous production and ongoing enhancements. The helicopter’s status as a genuinely iconic aircraft is further solidified by its remarkable versatility, which guarantees its continued significance in both military and civilian aviation sectors for the foreseeable future.
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