The UAV carrier ship "Shahid Bahman Bagheri" with hull number C110-4 has joined the Iranian Navy. Soviet Mi-8 helicopters and Ababil-3 drones are stationed on board, Fars news agency reported.
The "Shahid Bahman Bagheri" has an angled deck and a runway with arresting gear, as well as a ski-jump for launching heavy UAVs. The ship also houses a hangar and an aircraft elevator.
In May 2024, it became known that Iran had purchased 12 search and rescue helicopters and 3 fire-fighting helicopters from Russia. A source in the aviation industry stated that these were rotorcraft based on the Mi-8/17/171 platform. The contract value is about 20 billion rubles.
About the Mi-8 Helicopter
The Mi-8 is a Soviet multi-purpose helicopter developed by OKB-329 under the leadership of designer Mikhail Mil. It is the most mass-produced twin-engine helicopter in the world. The first flight of the Mi-8 took place in 1961. The helicopter was put into operation in 1965.
- Crew — 3 people.
- Maximum take-off weight — 13 000 kg
- Klimov TV3-117 turboshaft engine — 2.
- Maximum speed — 250 km/h.
- Practical flight range — 950 km.
- Service ceiling — 5000 m.
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