Mil Mi-2 (Hoplite)

History

The Soviet helicopter industry began with the introduction of the Mil Mi-1, a simple single-engine development that hit the market in 1950 and produced 2,594 prototypes by 1965. The next logical step in their development was the Mil Mi-2, which evolved from PZL-Swidnik in Poland in 1965. One prototype flew for the first time in 1961, and 5,497 prototypes followed.

It is called "hoplite" by NATO.

The Mi-2 was larger than its predecessor and had two engines above its nacelle. It relies on fixed wheeled three-point landing gear and can be operated by a single crew member. The cabin seats up to eight passengers and is relatively easy to convert into a cargo-carrying role.

Due to the product's versatility, some aviation services around the world have armed the type and modified it for other duties, such as Search and Rescue (SAR).

The main change in the Mi-2 design compared to the previous Mi-1 was the change from a radial engine to a turbine engine, in line with Western developments. This in turn stimulated work on a new Soviet turbine that would be used in an equally new helicopter design, the GTD-350 engine, developed by a certain S.P. Isotov. The end result is a more powerful rotor platform that greatly improves performance and allows a single airframe to take on multiple roles - and compete with Western developments.

The prototype exploded on September 22, 1961, when the "V-2" and armament tests were finally conducted with the following "V-2V" prototype.

Early production forms were the Mi-2 "Platan", a mine-laying platform, the Mi-2A and an improved Mi-2B (the latter for the export market). The Mi-2Ch "Chekla" became a smoke control / chemical reconnaissance model, and the Mi-2D "Przetacznik" became an air command post with the appropriate equipment installed. The Mi-2FM was developed for surveying, while the Mi-2P was used for commercial passenger/freight. The Mi-2R became an agricultural mainstay, while the Mi-2RL was equipped for rescue/medical evacuation missions. Its maritime search and rescue (SAR) counterpart is the Mi-2RM.

The Mi-2Ro was used for reconnaissance missions, and the reconnaissance trainer became the UMi-2Ro.

The Mi-2RS "Padalec" is designed for chemical/biological threat reconnaissance missions, while the Mi-2S is an air ambulance. The Mi-2Sz and Mi-2U brands have dual control schemes for training.

The Mi-2T is modified to carry cargo and can carry up to 1,545 lbs internal load and 1,765 lb external load. Performance includes a top speed of 125 mph, a range of 275 miles and a service ceiling of 13,125 feet. Climb rate of 885 feet per minute.

The Mi-2US is an armed version with a 23mm NS-23 automatic cannon mounted on a fixed front-firing mount. It also carries up to four 7.62mm PKT machine guns and can mount another PK machine gun on the cabin door.

Mi-2URP "Salamandra" is armed with a 23mm NS-23 automatic cannon and 4 x AT-3 "Sagger" anti-tank missiles (ATGM) for anti-tank missions. Mi-2URN "Zmija" became an armed reconnaissance model with a 23mm NS-23 automatic cannon and 2 x 16 rounds of S-5 rocket pods. Additional 7.62mm machine guns can be fitted if necessary.

Mi-2URP-G "Gniewosz" with 4 x Strela-2 air-to-air missiles (AAM) installed.

The Mi-2 "Plus" is an upgraded Mi-2 variant with GTD-350W2 series engines. It also features a modern avionics suite and composite main rotor blades. Mi-2MSB is a modernized form and personnel carrier for the civilian market.

The Mi-2MSB-V is another modernized form, albeit military in nature and designed for the Ukrainian Air Force.

Operators of the Mi-2 ranged from Algeria and Armenia to Ukraine and Yugoslavia - many were former Allies and Soviet states. While many operators have abandoned this type, many continue to use it, including the modern Korean Air Force.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes