Mil Mi-8 1:72 Smer 0910

Plastic model kit of the Mil Mi-8 helicopter 1:72 Smer 0910

A plastic model kit depicting the Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name: Hip) – one of the most popular and versatile multi-role helicopters in the world. This design, developed in the Soviet Union, gained recognition for its reliability and enormous transport and combat capabilities.

History and characteristics of the original:
Mil Mi-8 is a twin-engine helicopter with a fully metal, semi-monocoque structure and fixed landing gear. The first prototype took to the air in July 1961. The machine was designed as a successor to the Mi-4 and quickly became the primary workhorse of the air forces of the USSR and many Eastern Bloc countries. Propulsion is provided by two Klimov TV3-117 turboshaft engines, each producing 1500 HP. To date, over 17,000 units have been produced in various variants, including passenger, transport, rescue, and heavily armed attack versions (e.g., Mi-8TV). These helicopters have participated in almost every major armed conflict since the 1960s, particularly intensively during the war in Afghanistan (1979-1989).

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Smer
• Catalog number: 0910

Available painting schemes:

• Air Force of the Republic of Afghanistan (1978-1983) - Kandahar, February 1980 (dark green/light blue camouflage).
• Air Force of the Republic of Afghanistan (1983-1992) - Kabul, April 1988 (sand/dark green/light blue camouflage).
• Soviet Army (262nd Independent Helicopter Squadron) - Bagram, January 1989, aircraft no. 23 (sand/dark green/light blue camouflage).
• Soviet Army (262nd Independent Helicopter Squadron) - Bagram, January 1989, aircraft no. 31 (sand/dark green/light blue camouflage).

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including sprue cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.