Sitting on a Kerosene Barrel: Military Pilot Declares Danger of the Mi-8 Helicopter

In the event of a fuel emergency, the crew can only be helped by equipment made of meta-aramid non-combustible fabrics

The Russian Aerospace Forces are armed with Mi-8 combat helicopters. However, a design feature of the fuel system, in the event of a fire, poses a direct threat to the lives of the crew, said a retired military pilot, author of the Fighterbomber Telegram channel.

He drew attention to the fact that the recent emergency with the Mi-8, in which the crew commander died and rescuers were burned alive, raised the question of the safety of the location of a large unprotected kerosene tank inside the cabin of the rotorcraft.

I don't know why it's not possible to move the tanks on the Mi-8 to the outside. I think it is easier and cheaper for the state to recruit new rescuers than to take the tanks outside.
Fighterbomber

The military pilot advised the crews to purchase equipment made of meta-aramid non-combustible fabrics, from underwear to balaclavas.

The Mi-8 was developed at OKB-329 under the leadership of designer Mikhail Mil. It is the most massive twin-engine helicopter in the world.

Fuel tank in the Mi-8 cabin
Fuel tank in the Mi-8 cabin

Mi-8 Characteristics

  • Crew — 3 people
  • Maximum take-off weight — 13 000 kg
  • Engine GTD Klimov TV3-117 — 2 pieces
  • Maximum speed — 250 km/h
  • Practical flight range — 950 km
  • Practical ceiling — 5000 m

Earlier www1.ru reported that Russia is ready to offer deliveries of Su-57 and S-400 air defense systems abroad.

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