The oldest helicopter design currently seeing active service in the Russo-Ukrainian War is shown in this photograph released by the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR). The design, the Mil Mi-2 (NATO reporting name Hoplite), first flew in September 1961 and after acceptance, the first examples entered Soviet service beginning in 1965. Although a Soviet design, all Mi-2 production occurred in Poland by the PZL-Świdnik company. Although manufacturing of the Mi-2 ceased in 1999, the Mi-2 remains active service with a number of countries, to include Ukraine. Specifically, the helicopter in the foreground is a Mi-2MSB-1 variant while the one in the background looks to be a Mi-2AM-1.
The Mi-2MSB-1 is a modernization of existing Mi-2 helicopters undertaken by the Ukrainian company Motor Sich for the civilian market. The first examples of the Mi-2MSB-1 appeared in 2013. The main change is the replacement of the original pair of 400 horsepower Klimov GTD-350 turboshaft engines with two modern (and lighter) 465 horsepower AI-450M turboshaft engines. Along with the updated engines, the Mi-2MSB-1 also comes with a new gearbox, transmission, and new composite material rotor blades. Other changes include updated cockpit instrumentation for the new powerplants and a slightly redesigned fuselage to improve interior space capacity and a passenger door repositioning. Otherwise, the Mi-2MSB-1 is much the same as the original Mi-2. Motor Sich, of course, does offer optional electronic upgrades such as digital navigation systems.
The Mi-2MSB-1 is operated by a crew of one, the pilot. If outfitted for passenger service, the Mi-2MSB-1 can accommodate up to 8 people. Internally, the Mi-2MSB-1 can carry up to 1.1 tons of cargo or if using external cargo slings, pendants, or cargo netting, the Mi-2MSB-1 has a slightly higher carry capacity of 1.2 tons. For performance, the maximum speed of the Mi-2MSB-1 (without cargo) is 130 miles per hour with a cruise speed of 124 miles per hour. The typical flight range on internal fuel capacity is 466 miles. Maximum service ceiling is 3 miles with the optimum ceiling being 1.4 miles.
The particular Mi-2MSB-1 seen here, operated by the Defense Intelligence Aviation of Ukraine, is outfitted for medical evacuation. The modernization and outfitting was funded by international monetary donations managed by the Olena Zelenska Foundation to the sum of $500,000USD. The helicopter is fitted with a modern Garmin navigation system while all of the medical equipment was produced by Weinmann Emergency Medical Technology GmbH. Equipment includes artificial lung ventilators, electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, cardiac event monitors, defibrillator, oxygen assist module (OAM) with pressure regulator, electric aspirator, and other medical supplies. Casualty capacity is three if they are ambulatory but only a single casualty if on a litter. The exterior pods are fuel tanks. Typical medevac time is 15 minutes to the location of the request though time can vary due to weather conditions, distance, and enemy activity.
The Mi-2AM-1, also used for medical evacuation operations, is similarly outfitted as the Mi-2MSB-1. One of at least two Mi-2AM-1 helicopters, one was purchased through donations made by Polish citizens to the Zbroimy Ukrainę charity organization.
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