The
Mil Mi-8 (,
NATO reporting name:
Hip) is a medium twin-turbine
helicopter, originally designed by the
Soviet Union, and now produced by Russia. In addition to its most common role as a
transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed
gunship, and reconnaissance platform. Along with the related, more powerful
Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is among the world's
most-produced helicopters, used by over 50 countries. As of 2015, it is the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.