Indian Military

The Mi-8 is a Medium sized Transport helicopter with a secondary assault role. It is flown by four crew members. Two pilots seat side-by-side along with one one engineer in the cockpit. A load master is usually carried in the cabin. 24 troops can be embarked in the cabin. It features a conventional semi-monocoque structure of pod and boom type. Tail rotor acts as a small vertical stabilizer at the end of the boom. The helicopter has a non-retractable tricycle type landing gear with differential braking for steering.

For a long time the Mi-8 was the mainstay of the IAF's helicopter fleet. Progressively being replaced by the Mi-17.