Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/958224
At the end of the 1950s, USSR experts noticed that the Mi-4M ASW (NATO Code Hound-C) helicopters developed from the Mi-4A (Hound) transport helicopter no longer meet the requirements, mainly due to the fact they had single piston engine. It resulted in low lifting capacity, as well as pose of a threat during flights over water – a failure of engine would lead to a catastrophe. Meanwhile, the Western Countries introduced Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King with a twin-turboshaft engine, with an amphibious hull and deployable floats on pylons of the main undercarriage, which allowed for emergency landing on water and evacuation of the crew. Given the example, So- viets decided to redesign the popular Mi-8 (Hip) utility helicopter. The bottom part of the hull was designed from scratch, in the shape of a boat, with retractable landing gear, and redesigned hydraulics and electric installation. The works also covered development of new radio equip- ment. The design process assumed application of new TW- 3-117 engines that would replace TW-2-117. Initially, the project was approved in 1966. A year later, the goal of commenced works was to create, first of all, a basic ASW version (Mi-14PŁ – Haze-A), and then another one intend- ed for SAR missions (Haze-C), which happened in 1970. Both versions served as the basis for constructing the Mi-14BT (Haze-B) mine sweeping helicopter in 1975. The first flights of the new helicopter, the initial name of which was to be W-8G (G stood for "hydro" in Russian spelling – "gidro") took place in 1967. However, the final name of the prototype was W-14. Due to the lack of new engines, the designers used the TW-2-117 both in the prototype as well as in the helicopters of the first test production series that, by the way, were rebuilt in Kazan from Mi-8T. The serial production began in 1973 in Kazan, no sooner than after development of TW-3-117 engines and drive Mi-14PŁ A-1001, Płock, 02.06.2009 – helicopter in special paint theme for 50 years anniversary of Polish Naval Avia- tion in Darlowo. Mi-14PŁ A-1001, Darłowo, 21.06.2016 – helicopter during the flight to the are of operation. Bomb bay doors are opened. www.fragoutmag.com