Air Transportation: Ka-62 Replacement for the Mi-8

Archives

March 16, 2007: Russia is developing a replacement for its 40 year old Mi-8 (export versions are called Mi7) transport helicopter. The new helicopter is the Ka-62. The Mi8 is about twice the size and weight of the American UH-1, but only hauls about 50 percent more cargo (about 2.6 tons). However, the Mi-8 had a larger interior, and can carry 24 troops, versus a dozen in the UH-1. The UH-1 was replaced by the UH-60 in the 1980s, while the Mi-8 just kept adding better engines and electronics to the basic Mi-8 frame. But the UH-60, while weighing as much as the UH-1 (4.8 tons), could carry as much as the 12 ton Mi-8. But the Mi-8 costs about half as much as a UH-60, and the larger interior is popular with many users. Nearly 3,000 Mi17s have been exported.

The 6.5 ton Ka-62 can carry 2.7 tons. This can include 14 passengers (or ten fully equipped infantry). Like the Mi8, the Ka-62 can also be equipped with weapons. The Ka-62 will be easier to maintain, safer to operate and more reliable than the Mi-8. First flight of the Ka-62 will take place next year.

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close