Mil-Helicopters in World-Wide Service, Part 2

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Mil-Helicopters in World-Wide Service, Part 2
By Tom Cooper
Nov 26, 2004, 06:47

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Egypt

A large number of Mi-8s remain in service with Egyptian Air Force as main medium transport helicopter since over 35 years. All carry sand-filters in front of intakes and most are camouflaged like the example here, in "sand". Serials are always consisting of four digits, and in 12xx as well as in 14xx range (shown is "1419"). Note that the serial is repeated - in smaller characters - bellow the cockpit, as well as that most of the Mi-8s remaining in service with the EAF now have aerials of different forms - but mainly unknown purposes - mounted along the boom, but sometimes also on the side of the fuselage.. (All artworks by Tom Cooper)

Eritrea

Eritrea purchased several Mi-8s and Mi-17s from the Ukraine, in 1998, and these remain in service with No.3 Helicopter Squadron.

Ethiopia

One of several Ethiopian Air Force Mi-8MTs flown to Djibouti by defecting pilots, in May 1991. This helicopter, serialled "921" was subsequently returned to Ethiopia, and saw service during the subsequent war with Eritrea. Note that the camouflage consists of earth colour applied in almost straight zig-zag lines down the fuselage and the boom, as well as that the national marking is confirmed as being applied on the underside of the fuselage as well.

EtAF Mi-35 "2108" was captured by Eritreans on 18 March 1999, when it landed behing Eritrean positions. It was subsequently seen at the military side of Asmara IAP in Eritrean markings, and without the serial, but was apparently never flown again.

Georgia

Georgia reportedly operates between 10 and 12 Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters, some of which wear not only their national markings and serials, but also nick-names (like "Montana" in this case).

"White 04" is one of three Georgian Mi-24Ps that were overhauled in the Ukraine, in 2004.

Ghana

The Ghana Air Force has recently received at least two Mi-171MTV-5s. Both are reportedly based at Accra and should be in service with No. 2 (Helicopter) Squadron. The camouflage consist of sand and green over: it is possible that underside of the fuselage is painted in light blue, but there is no confirmation for this so far. National markings are carried in standard positions.

Guinea-Bissau

Forca A�rea da Guine-Bissau received at least two Mi-8Ts in the late 1970s, of which one remained operational into the early 1990s.

(East) Germany

The Former East Germany operated a considerable number of Mi-8s and Mi-24s. Shown here is a Mi-8 of the Transporthubschraubergeschwader 34 "Werner Seelenbinder" (Helicopter-Transport Wing 34), as seen in the mid-1980s. This was the first helicopter-unit of the former East Germany military.

India

India acquired some 80 Mi-4s in the early 1960s, and these played an important role in the 1971 War with Pakistan, but also during the war with China, in 1962 (when one was captured almost intact by the Chinese), and during the Kashmir War, in 1965.

Iraq

4436 was an example from the second batch of Mi-25s supplied to Iraq in 1982. It was painted in a camouflage pattern that might have been a kind of a standard for several batches of Mi-25s delivered to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya - and possibly also Mozambique.

Large numbers of Mi-8s and Mi-17s served with the Iraqi Army Air Corps in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. This Mi-17 was last seen in 1995. National flag is usually applied on the underside of the fuselage as well (along the longitudional axis).

One of few surviving Iraqi Mi-25s, seen after being captured at al-Taji AB, in 2003, was 2118, painted in this unique camouflage pattern.

Libya

Most of Libyan helicopters wear somewhat unusual camouflage patterns. This Mi-8 - the serial of which is unrecognizible on available pictures - wears a camouflage pattern that includes quite a strong shade of yellow. National markings are applied in usual positions, and there is probably a national marking on the underside of the fuselage. Some Mi-8s of the LARAF have got also Mi-17-style sand-filters in front of their intakes.

Macedonia

Macedonia acquired a number of Mi-17s from the Ukraine. "VAM-301" was one of first four examples.

"VAM-306" belonged to the second batch of Mi-17s acquired from the Ukraine in the year 2001.

VAM-201 was the first of Mi-24s supplied to Macedonia from the Ukraine.

Moldova

Moldovan Mi-8MT as seen at an air show at Chisinau International Airport, in 2000. The title "FARM" on the boom stands for "Fortele Armate ale Republicii Moldova" (Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova). It is possible that the roundel is repeated on the underside of the fuselage as well.

Namibia

Namibian Defence Forces operate an unknown number of Mi-8s and/or Mi-17s, one of which is this Mi-8T, serialled "H-804".

Nepal

Nepal has no air force, but all the aircraft and helicopters are operated by the Royal Nepal Army Aviation. Specifically, the 11 Brigade, based at Kathmandu Tribhuvan IAP, is responsible for operations and maintenance of all the Nepalese helicopters. In recent times these have seen heavy use in the war against a Maoist insurgency, raging in that country since 1994. The camouflage of the Mi-171MTV-5 shown here appears to consist of a one green shade applied in "wrap around" manner. It is possible that there is a second green shade as well, but this cannot be confirmed on the basis of available photographic evidence. The Nepalese cocard is carried on the standard position, on rear fuselage. The fin flash should be worn as well. Serial is in white, applied on the forward end of the boom, directly above the rear ramp. Its details remain unknown, however, it begins either with 9N or RA.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua received up to 18 Mi-25s of which seven survived the long war against "Contras": most of survivors were sold to Peru, in the early 1990s, and only one example remains in country, currently guarding the gate of Augusto C�sar Sandino Airport, near Managua.

During the 1980s, Nicaragua also received some 40 Mi-8s and Mi-17s. Most of the later helicpters were heavily camouflaged in a highly effective three- or four-colour disruptive pattern that completely breaks the silhouette of the helicopter. Note that "Fuerza A�rea Sandinista" Mi-8s, Mi-17s and Mi-25s have all got also the "Hot Brick" electronic countermeasures housing mounted high on the rear fuselage.

Nigeria

"NAF-531" was the first out of six Mi-35P ordered by Nigeria from Russia via Promexport company, in March 2000. All were overhauled by Rostvertol plant before delivery, but it appears that only two reached Nigeria.