Let's delve into the Turkish T129 - a new one-use helicopter. Light combat and reconnaissance helicopter
Mi-2 (according to NATO classification Hoplite) is a Soviet multi-purpose helicopter developed by the M. L. Mil Design Bureau in the early 1960s. Widely used to perform a variety of civil and military tasks. In 1965, mass production was launched in Poland. Over 5,400 units built. Even today, the Mi-2 takes part in tenders, competing with its successors Ka-226 and Ansat.
At the end of the 1950s in Armed Forces And national economy USSR widespread received a small, light Mi-1 helicopter. It was equipped with an AI-26V piston engine, which no longer met the requirements of that period. Projects for improving the Mi-1 helicopter (including one with one gas turbine engine) appeared, but they did not receive approval. The idea was born of using a power plant on the new helicopter, which would consist of two gas turbine engines. This would significantly increase reliability and safety during flight. This project later became known as the B-2.
Initially, the leaders of the Civil Air Fleet showed the greatest initiative in working on the B-2, but later the military also became interested in creating a new light helicopter. As a result, on May 30, 1960, the Mil design bureau was entrusted with the creation of a helicopter for agricultural, passenger, transport and sanitary and educational modifications. When creating and fine-tuning the V-2, the Mil Design Bureau used as many parts and assemblies of the Mi-1 as possible, in particular the main rotor, main gearbox components, and transmission.
The GTD-350 engine with a power of 400 hp was created. With. In terms of its characteristics, the GTD-350 was much inferior to foreign engines, but its creation made it possible for the Mil Design Bureau to quickly design a new second-generation light helicopter, equal in size to the Mi-1, but with a greater passenger capacity (8 people instead of 3) and more superior to it according to flight performance parameters.
A gas turbine engine (GTE) is a heat engine in which gas is compressed and heated, and then the energy of the compressed and heated gas is converted into mechanical work on the gas turbine shaft.
Unlike a piston engine, in a gas turbine engine processes occur in a flow of moving gas.
Compressed atmospheric air from the compressor enters the combustion chamber, and fuel is supplied there, which, when burned, forms large number combustion products under high pressure. Then, in a gas turbine, the energy of gaseous combustion products is converted into mechanical work due to the rotation of the jet of gas blades, part of which is spent on compressing air in the compressor. The rest of the work is transferred to the driven unit. The work consumed by this unit is useful work GTD. Gas turbine engines have the highest power density among internal combustion engines, up to 6 kW/kg.
Any fuel that can be dispersed can be used as fuel: gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oil, natural gas, marine fuel, water gas, alcohol and crushed coal.
In 1965, the Mi-2 began to be exported. These helicopters were mainly supplied to the USSR and other countries of the socialist community. In addition to the Soviet Union, the Mi-2 was purchased by Burma, Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, Egypt, Iraq, North Korea, Cuba, Lesotho, Libya, Nicaragua, Romania, Syria, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. In 1978, one Mi-2 in an agricultural version even ended up in the USA, receiving registration number N51946.
Later, thanks to re-export, Mi-2s appeared in other countries, such as Djibouti, Turkey, Venezuela, etc.
The design of the Mi-2 helicopter consists of:
1. Fuselage
2. Power plant
3. Fuel system
4.Carrying system
5. Cockpits
7. Flight equipment
8. Additional equipment
10. Electrical equipment
The Mi-2 fuselage has a semi-monocoque structure, it consists of three parts: the nose part, where the cockpit is located, the central part with the passenger compartment, and the tail part, which includes a tail boom with a controlled stabilizer.
Power point
Mi-2 has an all-metal structure. The power plant is located in a large superstructure above the helicopter fuselage - the so-called “boar” (from the French cabane - hut). In front of the three-stage main gearbox there are two GTD-350 engines, and on top there is a fan, a cooling oil cooler and the main gearbox.
Fuel system
The helicopter's fuel system includes one fuel tank with a capacity of 600 liters, located under the cabin floor; it also provides for the installation of two additional tanks on the sides of the fuselage, each with a capacity of 238 liters. The oil system includes an oil block with a capacity of 25 liters and an oil cooler with a fan for cooling.
Support system
The rotor system includes a three-bladed main rotor with rectangular blades and a two-bladed tail rotor. Hydraulic dampers are installed on the main rotor. The general and cyclic pitch of the main rotor is controlled using hydraulic boosters. In the event of a hydraulic system failure, the pilot can use manual control.
Crew cabin
The cockpit is single or double; most often, the pilot sits on the seat on the left; in the training modification, the pilot and cadet sit next to each other, in which case the helicopter controls are dual.
The pilot and passenger seats are located in the front of the fuselage, where batteries and various equipment were also located. Behind there is a cargo-passenger cabin with a door on the left side. It measures 2.27 x 1.2 x 1.4 m and is equipped with an air conditioning system. A fuel tank container is attached to the cabin floor, which also serves as an attachment point for two three-seater sofas. For one more (eighth) passenger, a folding seat is attached to the rear wall of the hull. When transporting cargo, the passenger seats can be removed. In the sanitary model, up to four stretchers can be installed in the cabin, and there is also space for an accompanying medical worker.
Flight equipment
The flight equipment on the Mi-2 helicopter is standard and includes a radio compass, gyrocompass, radio altimeter, CB and HF radio stations. For military options in bow A radar receiver is installed.
Additional equipment
Two additional cylindrical fuel tanks can be installed on both sides of the fuselage. The helicopter is equipped with a cargo boom-winch and an external suspension system with a lifting capacity of up to 800 kg. There is a controlled stabilizer on the tail boom; its angle of rotation will change automatically in accordance with the change in the pitch of the main rotor blades.
The agricultural version has a liquid chemical spraying system, which includes: tanks on the sides of the body with a total capacity of 1000 liters and a sprayer boom 14 m long, with 128 nozzles, which provide spraying of chemicals over an area of 40-45 m wide, or spraying of dry chemicals with a general weighing 750 kg, which are contained in two containers with sprayers.
The search and rescue version has an electric winch with a lifting capacity of 120 kg, and the transport version has a hook for external suspension of cargo weighing up to 800 kg. In the version intended for control environment, there is thermal imaging equipment from ASA.
The three-wheel chassis consists of two pyramidal main wheels and a two-wheeled front wheel with linkage suspension. Single-chamber, pneumatic-oil shock absorbers are installed on the landing gear struts. In winter, a ski or wheel-ski chassis can be installed. The landing gear allows the helicopter to taxi, as well as take off and land like an airplane.
Electrical equipment
Sources DC: two 24 V batteries, and two STG-3 starter-generators 3 kW, 27 V. AC sources: generator 16 kW, 208 V, 400 Hz, powered by the main gearbox. The 36 V and 115 V AC mains are normally powered by converters that are powered by the DC mains. In emergency mode - from the alternating current generator through a transformer. The most powerful consumer - the anti-icing system - is powered by an alternating current generator.
Armament
Military versions intended for combat operations can be equipped with an NS-23 cannon and 6 machine guns, an NS-23 cannon and 2x16 NAR S-5, an NS-23 cannon, 2 machine guns and 4 anti-tank guided missiles“Malyutka”, NS-23 cannon, 2 machine guns and 4 “Strela-2M” homing anti-aircraft missiles.
Mi-2 in comparison with other multi-purpose helicopters.
Mi-2 helicopter with AI-450 engines / Photo: ivchenko-progress.com
In 2015, Rostvertol completed ground tests of the modernized Mi-2M multi-purpose helicopter equipped with AI-450M engines, according to the company’s annual report for 2015.
Serial production of the Mi-2 helicopter began in 1965 in Poland. Before production ended in 1992, more than 5.4 thousand Mi-2 units were produced, some of them are still in operation in 37 countries around the world.
"The implementation of the direction ("Creation of a modernized Mi-2M helicopter") in 2015 made it possible to complete ground and flight tests prototype Mi-2 helicopter with AI-450M engines,” says the document, a copy of which is available to RIA Novosti.
"Rostvertol" is a Russian aircraft manufacturing company and the aircraft manufacturing enterprise of the same name of the Russian Helicopters holding company of the Rostec state corporation, located in Rostov-on-Don. For over 60 years, the plant has been producing aviation equipment, including Mi helicopters for over 40 years. During the Soviet period, the enterprise bore the name “Plant No. 168”, later - the Rostov Helicopter Production Association (RVPO).
Testing of all aircraft produced and repaired at the enterprise is carried out at the Rostov-on-Don (Northern) factory airfield.
Currently, in addition to the serial production of Mi-26T transport helicopters and Mi-24 (Mi-35M) combat helicopters, the company mass-produces the Mi-28 combat helicopter, the modernized Mi-2A helicopter, and preparations are underway for the serial production of the Mi-2 light training helicopter. 60 MAI.
Technical information
Mi-2 (By NATO classification: Hoplite - “Hoplite”) is a Soviet multi-purpose helicopter developed by the M. L. Mil Design Bureau in the early 1960s. In 1965, serial production was launched in Poland. Widely used to perform a variety of civil and military tasks. Before production ended in 1992, over 5,400 units were built. Even today, the Mi-2 takes part in tenders, competing with its successors Ka-226 and Ansat.
Tactical and technical indicators
Mi-2 | |
Purpose: | multi-purpose |
First flight: | |
Start of use: | 1965 |
Total built: | 5400 |
Dimensions |
|
Main rotor diameter, m | 14,50 |
Tail rotor diameter, m | 2,70 |
Length with rotation screws, m | 17,42 |
Fuselage length, m | 11,40 |
Fuselage width, m | 3,25 |
Height with rotation screws, m | 3,70 |
Weight |
|
Empty, kg | 2372 |
Normal take-off, kg | 3500 |
Max. take-off, kg (in the Air Force) | 3550(3700) |
Power point |
|
Engine: | 2 GTD Klimov GTD-350 |
Power, hp | 2×400 |
Characteristics |
|
Crew, man | 1 |
Passengers (soldiers), people | 10 (8) |
Cruising speed, km/h | 194 |
Maximum speed, km/h | 210 |
Flight range, km | 580 |
Practical ceiling, m | 4000 |
Rate of climb, m/min | 270 |
Mi-2(according to NATO classification Hoplite) is a Soviet multi-purpose helicopter developed by the M. L. Mil Design Bureau in the early 1960s.
Start of use 1965
Total built 5400 units
Dimensions
Main rotor diameter 14.50 m
Tail rotor diameter 2.70 m
Length with rotation Screws 17.42 m
Fuselage length 11.40 m
Fuselage width 3.25 m
Height with rotation Screws 3.70 m
Weight
Empty 2372 kg
Normal Take-off 3500 kg
Max. takeoff 3659 kg
Power point
Engine 2 GTD Klimov GTD-350
Power 2x400 l. With.
Ecrew 1 person
Passengers 10 passengers or up to 8 soldiers (military version) persons.
Cruising speed 194 km/h
Max. speed 210 km/h
Flight range 580 km
Service ceiling 4000 m
Climbing rate 270 m/min
Modifications:
Mi-2— passenger helicopter for transporting 8 passengers;
Mi-2T— transport, for transporting cargo weighing up to 700 kg in the cabin or 800 kg on an external sling; an ambulance helicopter was produced to transport four patients on stretchers and an orderly;
Mi-2R— search and rescue, with an electric winch with a lifting capacity of 120 kg;
Mi-2UPN— a reconnaissance helicopter armed with two blocks of 16 NAR S-5 57mm caliber;
Mi-2URP— anti-tank helicopter with 4 9M14M “Malyutka” ATGMs on pylons;
Mi-2US— a fire support helicopter with a 23mm caliber cannon or with 7.62mm machine gun mounts on the pylons and in the cockpit;
Mi-2KM— deck-based multi-purpose helicopter;
Mi-2M— a modernized version of the Mi-2 helicopter, equipped with two GTD-350P take-off power of 331 kW each; made its first flight on July 1, 1974, produced in the following versions:
— agricultural helicopter for spraying liquid or dry chemicals;
— training and sports helicopter;
— helicopter for aerial photography;
— a helicopter for monitoring the state of the environment.
On August 26, 1965, the first Mi-2, assembled from Soviet components, took off in Shvidnik. The first flight of the Mi-2, entirely manufactured in Poland, took place on November 4, 1965; the car was piloted by a crew consisting of W. Mercik, K. Moskowicz and H. Jarowski.
The first vehicles (zero series) were transferred to the Soviet Union for trial operation. Externally, the production Mi-2s differed from the modified second prototype in the absence of a keel surface on the tail boom and a different shape of the holes in the front part of the boar under the oil cooler air intake (they were not oval, but rectangular). The location of the radio antennas and flashing light also changed (it was moved from the middle of the tail boom to the end of it).
Already in next year production began at full capacity. The first production copy was transferred to the Polish Air Force on December 29, 1966 after four months of factory testing. Alas, this machine did not survive: it was written off after the accident, and its tail boom was installed on another Mi-2 of the Polish Air Force.
Design
Fuselage
The Mi-2 fuselage has a semi-monocoque structure, it consists of three parts: the nose part, where the cockpit is located, the central part with the passenger compartment, and the tail part, which includes a tail boom with a controlled stabilizer.
Power point
Mi-2 has an all-metal structure. The power plant is located in a large superstructure above the helicopter fuselage - the so-called “boar” (from the French cabane - hut). In front of the three-stage main gearbox there are two GTD-350 engines, and on top there is a fan, a cooling oil cooler and the main gearbox.
Fuel system
The helicopter's fuel system includes one fuel tank with a capacity of 600 liters, located under the cabin floor; it also provides for the installation of two additional tanks on the sides of the fuselage, each with a capacity of 238 liters. The oil system includes an oil block with a capacity of 25 liters and an oil cooler with a fan for cooling.
Support system
The rotor system includes a three-bladed main rotor with rectangular blades and a two-bladed tail rotor. Hydraulic dampers are installed on the main rotor. The general and cyclic pitch of the main rotor is controlled using hydraulic boosters. In the event of a hydraulic system failure, the pilot can use manual control.
Crew cabin
The cockpit is single or double; most often, the pilot sits on the seat on the left; in the training modification, the pilot and cadet sit next to each other, in which case the helicopter controls are dual.
Salon
The pilot and passenger seats are located in the front of the fuselage, where batteries and various equipment were also located. Behind there is a cargo-passenger cabin with a door on the left side. It measures 2.27 x 1.2 x 1.4 m and is equipped with an air conditioning system. A fuel tank container is attached to the cabin floor, which also serves as an attachment point for two three-seater sofas. For one more (eighth) passenger, a folding seat is attached to the rear wall of the hull. When transporting cargo, the passenger seats can be removed. In the sanitary model, up to four stretchers can be installed in the cabin, and there is also space for an accompanying medical worker.
Flight equipment
The flight equipment on the Mi-2 helicopter is standard and includes a radio compass, gyrocompass, radio altimeter, CB and HF radio stations. On military versions, a radar receiver is mounted in the nose.
Additional equipment
Two additional cylindrical fuel tanks can be installed on both sides of the fuselage. The helicopter is equipped with a cargo boom-winch and an external suspension system with a lifting capacity of up to 800 kg. There is a controlled stabilizer on the tail boom; its angle of rotation will change automatically in accordance with the change in the pitch of the main rotor blades.
The agricultural version has a liquid chemical spraying system, which includes: tanks on the sides of the body with a total capacity of 1000 liters and a sprayer boom 14 m long, with 128 nozzles, which provide spraying of chemicals over an area of 40-45 m wide, or spraying of dry chemicals with a general weighing 750 kg, which are contained in two containers with sprayers.
The search and rescue version has an electric winch with a lifting capacity of 120 kg, and the transport version has a hook for external suspension of cargo weighing up to 800 kg. The version intended for environmental monitoring has thermal imaging equipment from ASA.
Chassis
The three-wheel chassis consists of two pyramidal main wheels and a two-wheeled front wheel with linkage suspension. Single-chamber, pneumatic-oil shock absorbers are installed on the landing gear struts. In winter, a ski or wheel-ski chassis can be installed. The landing gear allows the helicopter to taxi, as well as take off and land like an airplane.
Electrical equipment
DC sources: two 24 V batteries, and two STG-3 starter-generators 3 kW, 27 V. AC sources: generator 16 kW, 208 V, 400 Hz, powered by the main gearbox. The 36 V and 115 V AC mains are normally powered by converters that are powered by the DC mains. In emergency mode - from the alternating current generator through a transformer. The most powerful consumer - the anti-icing system - is powered by an alternating current generator.
Armament
Military versions intended for combat operations can be equipped with an NS-23 cannon and 6 machine guns, an NS-23 cannon and 2x16 NAR S-5, an NS-23 cannon, 2 machine guns and 4 Malyutka anti-tank guided missiles, an NS-23 cannon , 2 machine guns and 4 homing anti-aircraft missiles "Strela-2M".
The mid-50s of the 20th century were marked by a rapid leap in the field of helicopter construction. Rotorcraft, thanks to their flight performance, could solve a wide range of problems, so they confidently and firmly occupied their niche in the most different areas. The Soviet Mi-2 helicopter and the American Sikorsky N-19 will eventually become the most popular aircraft in their class. New technology was enjoyed by the military, rescuers, geologists and polar explorers. Helicopters will also become indispensable for civil aviation. Where the use of airplanes was impossible, helicopters came to the aid of people. Helicopter fever has begun in the world. In those countries that had their own aircraft manufacturing industry, a helicopter boom began. New models of rotorcraft appear in the USA and the Soviet Union. Helicopters are being built in France, Germany and Italy. The main competitors in the helicopter market in those years were aircraft manufacturing companies in the United States and the USSR.
In the Soviet Union, two design bureaus are involved in the creation of rotary-wing aircraft, OKYU M.L. Mil and Design Bureau N.I. Kamov. It is these two companies that will later become the pillars of the Soviet, and later Russian, helicopter industry. If Kamov’s company was mainly engaged in the development and construction of military vehicles, then the design bureau of Mikhail Leontyevich Mil created helicopters more oriented for use in the national economy.
The USSR was the first to come to the conclusion that helicopter technology required new propulsion systems. The first production helicopter, the Mi 1, was equipped with a piston engine. During operation, it became clear that such a propulsion scheme was not capable of providing the flying machine with the necessary flight data. The attempt of Soviet designers to improve production vehicles by installing new forced engines did not produce the desired results. The AI-26V piston engine no longer met the requirements and could not provide the helicopters with the necessary load capacity, rate of climb and maneuverability in flight.
The conclusion suggested itself. It was necessary to switch to new gas turbine engines. Mil's design bureau tried to install a gas turbine engine on its first-born, but the design of the machine was poorly suited to solving this engineering problem. As a result, OKB-329, headed by M.L. Mil, we came up with the idea to create new helicopter, which would be equipped with two gas turbine engines at once.
For new development tried to use the material and technical base of the Mi-1 helicopter, mass production of which was established in the Soviet Union. Installing two engines at once on a rotorcraft was clear know-how in the field of helicopter engineering. The presence of two powerful engines significantly increased the helicopter's performance characteristics and increased the level of safety during flight. If one of the engines failed, the second engine allowed the rotorcraft to land safely and complete the flight in a safe environment.
By the fall of 1961, the new car was ready. The helicopter was named Mi-2 (Mil - the second). In September, the first two experimental vehicles, in passenger and agricultural versions, entered testing. These were light rotorcraft equipped with two gas turbine engines created at OKB-117. Leningrad engine builders managed to find a technical solution for difficult task and created compact and small-sized gas turbine engines. The result of a complex design work became the GTD-350 engine, developing a power of 400 l/s.
Despite the fact that Soviet engines were inferior in basic parameters foreign analogues, this did not stop Mil and his designers from creating a promising rotorcraft, which became a for many years main vehicle small aviation. Even at the testing stage, in the West the Soviet helicopter was classified as “Hoplite”.
Two years later, in 1963, the car was put into production. In this case, one detail is curious. The first production vehicles were assembled in Poland, which received a license to manufacture the new helicopter and all the necessary technical documentation. Serial vehicles assembled in Polish factories began to be supplied to the USSR. Over time, the geography of Mi-2 exports has expanded significantly. In total, Polish factories in Świdnik and Rzeszów produced 5,250 rotorcraft. various modifications. Serial production lasted almost 30 years and ended only in 1992.
The latest modifications of the Milevsky machine are the Russian Mi-2A, Mi-2M, and Ukrainian Mi-2MSB vehicles, produced today. The design of these machines is already radically different from the original versions of the helicopter.
Technical features and characteristics of the Mi-2 helicopter
Assessing the design of the machine and its operational capabilities, we can safely say that the Mi-2 is a unique helicopter that appeared in its time and managed to fully work out the design life inherent in it. The design of the machine is a series of progressive technical solutions in the field of helicopter engineering. For example, the presence of two gas turbine engines was revolutionary idea, giving impetus to the subsequent successful application of this scheme in the creation of machines of other classes.
Among light passenger helicopters, the Mi-2 occupied one of the leading positions. Its speed characteristics, passenger capacity and carrying capacity aroused the admiration of the general public and the expert community during the demonstration of the model in 1967 at the French air show in Le Bourget. The aircraft's flight performance remains high and competitive even today, almost 50 years after its creation. The car had the following characteristics:
- vehicle fuselage length -11.4 m;
- the diameter of the three-blade main rotor is 14.5 m;
- total weight of the helicopter is 3500 kg;
- propulsion system power - 2 GTD-350, 400 l/s;
- cruising speed - 194 km/h;
- flight range - 580 km;
- practical ceiling - 4000 m;
- The crew of the car is one pilot, the number of passengers is 10 people.
Similar flight characteristics They well explain the wide range of operation of the machine, which was successfully used in agricultural aviation, postal and passenger transportation. Firefighters and rescuers worked on the Mi-2 helicopter. For the Far North and remote areas of Western and Eastern Siberia, the appearance of this machine became invaluable.
From a design point of view, the helicopter had a traditional single-beam design, with two rotors - the main main rotor and the tail rotor. The pilot's cabin was located in the bow, providing good visibility. Behind the cockpit there was a cargo compartment or passenger compartment. The two engines were brought into the upper part of the helicopter's body, where radiators and a cooling propeller were also installed. The engines drove the main three-blade rotor, which had a hydraulic system for controlling the pitch of rotation of the blades.
The capacity of the main fuel tank was 600 liters. Two spare, reserve fuel tanks could be hung externally on the fuselage. The main fuel is aviation kerosene with a high octane number. The design of the helicopter made it possible to transport oversized cargo on an external sling. By car air ambulance, a mechanical winch with a lifting capacity of 120 kg was installed on rescue service helicopters. With its help it was possible to carry out emergency evacuation of the wounded and injured from the scene of the incident. On various modifications of the helicopter, intended for various purposes, it was installed additional equipment. Thus, special containers and a spray system were installed on agricultural aircraft, through which fertilizers and herbicides were sprayed.
The helicopter fuselage rested on a triple landing gear - two main pyramid-type supports and a bow, lever-type one.
Helicopters were also used for military purposes, so the design of the machine was designed for the installation of a mounted automatic rifle and missile weapons. The electrical circuit of the helicopter was looped around one generator and two batteries.
Mil had a perfect and most importantly, simple in terms of creation and maintenance navigation equipment. The pilot had at his disposal a gyrocompass, an altimeter and a radio compass. Military version vehicles were additionally equipped with a radar station.
The Mi-2 helicopter is the workhorse of small aircraft
The machine created by Soviet designers had a large technological reserve, thanks to which a large number of modifications were created based on the basic machine. The main and most mass modifications became passenger and search and rescue versions. The military rarely used a helicopter for combat purposes, but the military version of the machine was often used for search and reconnaissance flights. To use the helicopter as a means of fire support, it could be equipped with mounted aircraft cannon NS-23, 1-6 machine guns, including one heavy machine gun.
Of the mounted weapons, the helicopter could carry 16 unguided weapons in two containers. aircraft missiles S-5 and also 4 anti-tank missiles"Little one." Less commonly, the vehicle was equipped with 4 Strela-2M anti-aircraft missiles. The armed modification of the Mi-2 was mainly used for patrolling State border on dangerous areas. The vehicle performed well during the armed Soviet-Chinese conflict near Damansky Island in 1969. Soviet border guards guarding this long section Soviet border, flew specifically on the Mi-2.
The helicopter, starting in 1965, began to be actively supplied to the Soviet Union. In addition to the USSR, the Poles built cars for the countries of the socialist camp. Bulgaria, East Germany, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Hungary used the new helicopter as a police patrol vehicle and as a search and rescue option. This brand of helicopters is well known in Mongolia and Cuba. The helicopter was supplied to third world countries as a re-export. In Ethiopia, in Egypt, in Syria, in Iraq and in Libya, in North Korea and in Nicaragua, helicopters were used primarily for reconnaissance and police purposes.
Helicopters produced back in the late 60s and 70s continue to fly today. Having undergone modernization and major renovation, the vehicles remain suitable for civilian and military missions. A simple and understandable design provided it with a great future. According to some experts, the longevity of the machine is due to the place of production. The Poles, who received into their hands all the technical documentation of the “Miles - the second”, managed to achieve high quality assemblies. The production cycle on the assembly line was brought to perfection, which guaranteed high technical and operational characteristics of the machine.
In conclusion
These days this helicopter can be seen quite often. Despite the fact that most of the vehicles have already been scrapped, the Mi-2 continues to be used in agricultural aviation, in mountain rescue services and in the Far North.
Among the main aviation fleet there are mainly cars latest modifications, the design of which already poorly satisfies the increased requirements in the field of small aviation. However, it is still too early to write off the Mi-2, an old and proven workhorse. As a result of the deep modernization carried out at the enterprises of the corporation " Russian helicopters“Work is underway to create a more advanced modification of the Mi-2A. The main quality of the new helicopter is its propulsion system, which is based on Ukrainian twin-shaft AI-450 engines or French Arrius 2Mi helicopter engines.
In Ukraine, which has its own aircraft production, this is how they solved the problem of modernizing the Mi-2. The Motor Sich engine building company has developed a new car using the main structural components and parts of the base model. The new product was named Mi-2 SME. The main distinguishing feature of the Ukrainian version of the helicopter modernization was the presence of two powerful and economical AI-450M engines. The design turned out to be quite successful, which prompted the company management to begin serial production modernized version.
On the technical side, with a competent and reasonable approach to modernization issues, the Mi-2 helicopter can remain in service for a long time. The long service life of the machine allows modern conditions significantly improve the flight performance and operational characteristics of helicopters. The car, created in the early 60s, despite its advanced age, continues to fly today.
The design of the Mi-2 helicopter is a turbine development of the Mi-1, in which the entire cabin area was freed up for the payload by installing two small gas turbine engines above the fuselage. About creating something new aircraft became known in the fall of 1961, and the first Mi-2 appeared two years later with two Izotov GTD-350 gas turbines with a power of 400 hp. With. each mounted side by side above the cab.
Main tasks
The aircraft was intended to perform the same tasks of transporting lightweight cargo as the Mi-1 did. The passenger version could transport 7 people and a pilot. In the role of a rescue aircraft, the Mi-2 helicopter can accommodate four stretchers and a medical worker. The vessel is capable of transporting cargo weighing up to 700 kg. As a flying crane or for rescue work, the aircraft can be equipped with a ventral hook for hanging loads of up to 800 kg or a winch above the cabin door capable of lifting up to 150 kg. The fourth main application that distinguishes the Mi-2 helicopter is operation in agriculture, for which it can be equipped with tanks located on both sides of the cabin, capable of holding 450 kg of dry chemicals or 500 liters of liquid. To perform other tasks, cargo tanks can be replaced with additional fuel tanks.
History of creation
The Mi-2 helicopter (see photo in the review) was produced at the WSK plant in Mielec in Poland. After negotiations began in January 1964, WSK received exclusive rights to manufacture the aircraft and its engines. It was assumed that it would replace the Mi-1 in military aviation and will be especially valuable to Aeroflot as an ambulance and air taxi. Some Mi-2s are believed to have been delivered to the UAR, from where they likely ended up in Israel.
In the mid-fifties, Mil's bureau decided to improve the performance of the Mi-1 by developing a turbine version. For this purpose, two new gas turbine engines with a free turbine “Izotov GTD-350” were selected. With a weight that was half the weight of previous piston engines internal combustion, two GTD-350 were 40% more powerful. They are mounted side by side above the fuselage, which significantly increases the available cabin space and improves the performance of the Mi-2 helicopter. Such power point made it possible to change the speed of rotation of the propeller, maintaining constant engine speed.
The prototype of the aircraft was called V-2, and then was renamed Mi-2. The helicopter first took off in September 1961. It had the same rotor, gear and tail as the Mi-1. After preliminary tests, a metal tail rotor was adopted (the Mi-1 had a wooden one), and then, in 1965, a new main rotor hub appeared, borrowed from the Mi-6.
Since Soviet factories were fully occupied with the production of the Mi-8 and other heavy helicopters of the Mi series, an agreement was reached with the WSK-Swidnik enterprise for the production and further development of the Mi-2 in Poland, which began in 1964. The first Polish Mi-2 before that flew in November 1963, and after testing was completed, large-scale production began in 1965. The first production Mi-2 helicopter was equipped with 400 hp engines. s., but since 1974 this parameter has been increased to 450 hp. With. The use of fiberglass in the main rotor, tail rotor and stabilizer simplified production and increased productivity.
Various variants of the Mi-2 were built for civilian and military purposes. The helicopter in service was equipped rocket launchers and air-to-ground missiles, which were launched from guides on the sides of the fuselage.
Modifications
- Mi-2: standard helicopter civilian version, a convertible passenger or cargo transport, pollinator (called Bazant), training aircraft for aerial photography and photogrammetry, or cargo carrier with external sling and electric winch.
- Mi-2B: basic model with updated navigation aids and electrical system without rotor blade deicers. The weight of the passenger version was 2300 kg, and the cargo version - 2293 kg.
- Mi-2D Przetacznik: military airborne command post with radio communications, encryption and telephone equipment.
- Mi-2P: a standard eight-seater passenger helicopter, convertible into an all-cargo helicopter with external sling and electric winch.
- Mi-2R: agricultural version for conventional or ultra-low spraying and spraying. Tanks with a capacity of 500 liters of liquid or 375 kg of dry chemicals each were hung on both sides of the fuselage, and a 14-m sprayer boom with 128 nozzles was attached. Weight without load - 2.372 kg.
- Mi-2 Platan: mining helicopter.
- Mi-2RL: airborne ambulance and search and rescue version of the Mi-2, equipped with an electric lift.
- Mi-2РМ Anakonda: Version of the Mi-2Р search and rescue helicopter for naval use with an electric winch through the side door port, designed for two people and air-dropped lifeboats. 9 units built for Polish naval aviation.
- Mi-2Ro: military reconnaissance modification.
- Mi-2RS Padalec: chemical and bacteriological reconnaissance helicopter.
- Mi-2S: Medevac air ambulance, equipped to transport four stretchers, an attendant, and two patients in a sitting position.
- Mi-2SZ: training helicopter with dual controls.
- Mi-2T: military transport.
- Mi-2URN: variant of the 1973 Mi-2US, but with two launchers"Mars 2", each of which holds 16 57 mm unguided missiles S-5 for close air support or armed reconnaissance.
- Mi-2URP Salamandra: anti-tank model of the Mi-2 helicopter, version 1976, with four AT-3 (Malyutka 9M14M) guided missiles on the pylons and four more in the cargo compartment; later models were equipped with four Strela 2 missiles.
- Mi-2URPG Gniewosz: similar to the Mi-2URP, but with four SA-7 (9M32 Strela) anti-aircraft missiles.
- Mi-2US: equipped with a NS-23KM 23 mm cannon on the left side of the fuselage, two machine guns on the sides and two 7.62 mm machine guns in the rear of the cabin.
- Mi-2FM Kajman: version for photogrammetry. 2 units produced.
- Mi-2X Chekla: radiation reconnaissance helicopter and director smoke screens.
- UMi-2Ro: training reconnaissance version.
Mi-2MSB
The Ukrainian modification of the Mi-2MSB is equipped with AI-450M Motor Sich engines with a power of 465 hp. With. with 27% less fuel consumption and 25 kg less weight. The helicopter's avionics have also been updated. The variant is equipped with pylons with eight 80 mm B8W8MSB rocket launchers and automatic grenade launchers. Due to the fact that the pylons pass through the rear windows without changing the fuselage structure, machine guns with ammunition from the helicopter cabin can be installed outside.
Additional 7.62 mm machine guns can be located in the helicopter windows. In addition, a launch device is located under the tail boom, along with an IR jamming system. These elements provide partial protection against infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles, which represent greatest threat for military helicopters.
Mi-2 helicopter
The supporting system is a three-blade propeller with hydraulic vibration absorbers. Blade profile - NACA 230-12M. The blades do not fold. The rotor brake is installed. The main propeller shaft is driven by the gearbox of each engine. The transmission includes a three-stage main gearbox, an intermediate gearbox and a tail gearbox.
The turbine speed reduction coefficient for the main rotor is 1: 24.6, for the tail rotor - 1: 4.16. The main gearbox provides the drive for the auxiliary systems and the power take-off for the rotor brake. The freewheel disconnects the rotor from the failed engine, allowing it to rotate itself.
Initially, each blade had the typical design of all Mil helicopters, consisting of 20 connected sections attached to a light alloy spar with a trailing edge of honeycomb aluminum and covered with light alloy sheeting. Later, WSK-PZL-Swidnik developed more advanced rotor blades based on an extruded duralumin spar with plastic sections and coating.
The system for strengthening the cyclic and collective step control lever is hydraulic; variable installation angle, controlled by a collective pitch lever, has a horizontal stabilizer.
The fuselage is made of sheet duralumin and is connected by spot welding or rivets. Consists of three main units - the bow, central and tail booms; load-bearing elements are reinforced with alloy steel.
Chassis
Mi-2 is a helicopter with a fixed three-wheel landing gear with a tail support. There is a double wheel at the front and one wheel is mounted in the main part. Oil-pneumatic shock absorbers are installed on all supports, including the tail one. The main shock absorbers are capable of handling both normal operating loads and potential ground resonance. The main tires have dimensions of 600x180 mm and a pressure of 4.41 bar. Nasal - size 400x125 mm, pressure 3.45 bar. The main wheels are equipped with pneumatic brakes. Metal aviation skis are optional.
Power point
The Mi-2 helicopter engine is a 313 kW turboshaft “Izotov GTD-350” built in Poland. Two such gas turbine units are mounted side by side above the cabin of the aircraft. The only rubber fuel tank with a capacity of 600 liters is located under the interior floor. On both sides of the helicopter it is possible to install additional external tanks with a volume of 238 liters. The gas station is located on the right side of the body. Oil volume - 25 l.
Accommodation
Typically one pilot sits on the left side of the flight deck. The air-conditioned cabin provides seating for 8 passengers - back-to-back benches for 3 people each, with two additional outboard seats on the starboard side at the rear, one behind the other. All passenger seats can be dismantled to transport up to 700 kg of cargo. Access to the cabin is via hinged doors on each side at the front of the cabin and aft on the port side. Pilot's sliding window emergency situations squeezed out. The rescue modification provides space for 4 stretchers and an orderly, or 2 stretchers and 2 seated patients. The training version has side-by-side seating and dual controls. Mi-2 is a helicopter with standard heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Systems
The interior is heated by air heated by the engine. For ventilation in cold weather temperature atmospheric air increases in heat exchangers.
Has a pressure of 65 bar and is designed to strengthen the lever of cyclic and collective steps. The hydraulic fluid flow rate is 7.5 l/min. The tank is ventilated. The pneumatic system has a pressure of 49 bar and is designed to operate the brake.
Power supply is provided by starter-generators driven by two STG-3 3 kW engines, as well as by a 3-phase alternating current generator with a power of 16 kVA and a voltage of 208 V. DC power supply of 24 V is provided by two lead-acid batteries with a capacity of 28 Ah. The main and tail rotors and windshield are equipped with an electric anti-icing system. The air intake is heated by air taken from the engine.
Avionics
Standard items include two MF/HF transceivers, a gyrocompass, a radio compass, a radio altimeter, an intercom system and a blind flight panel. Some military modifications are equipped with nose and tail warning radars.
Equipment
The agricultural version of the helicopter is equipped on each side of the fuselage with a tank with a total capacity of 1000 liters of liquid or 750 kg of dry chemicals, and either a nozzle stand at the rear of the cabin on both sides, or a dry chemical sprayer. chemicals on each tank. The width of the spray capture strip is 40-45 m.
In the rescue version, an electric winch with a lifting capacity of 120 kg is installed. The ventral cargo hook can be mounted to lift suspended cargo up to 800 kg in weight.
The smoke screen installer has long additional pipes attached to the exhaust pipes into which fuel is supplied. The pilot's windshield is equipped with an electric wiper. In addition, a freon fire extinguishing system is installed in the engine compartments and the main gear compartment, which is activated automatically or manually.
Mi-2 helicopter: technical characteristics
- Height - 3.3 m.
- Length - 11.4 m.
- Screw diameter - 14.5 m.
- Take-off weight - 3550 kg.
- The empty weight of the helicopter is 2350-2372 kg.
- Fuel volume - 600 l, with additional tanks - 838 l.
- Lifting speed - 4.5 m/s.
- Cruising speed and speed at altitude are 190-194 km/h, at the ground - 210 km/h.
- Ceiling - 1700 m (static), 4000 m (dynamic).
- Flight range - 355 km, maximum - 620 km.
Mass production of the Mi-2 ended in 1993. Most of over 5,450 helicopters produced were exported to the USSR and other countries Warsaw Pact. Nevertheless, the Mi-2, which is still in operation in more than 20 countries around the world, has a chance to be revived in the Mi-2A model, developed by the Moscow Helicopter Plant and Rosvertol OJSC.