Spezialflug Berlin has taken delivery of the first Mi-8MSB with European certification. The Ukraine-built helicopter is the most powerful variant of the proven Mi-8 series. It is powered by two modern Motor Sich TV3‐117VMA‐SBM1V 4E engines with 2.100 kW (2,800 hp) each.
The Mi-8MSB has a maximum take-off weight of 12,000 kg (26,500 lbs) and a payload of 4,000 kg (8,800 lbs) internally or 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs) externally. The spacious cabin has room for 16 passengers plus equipment. Because of the big clamshell rear doors, the cargo area is extremely easy to load and unload.
With a ceiling of 9,150 meters (30,019 feet) the Mi-8MSB holds the world altitude record in its class. The single-engine-altitude is 5,000 meters (16,400 ft.). The helicopter can take off under full power at ambient temperature up to 55 C (131 F).
“The exceptional hot-and-high performance gives us an enormous operational advantage. When other helicopters already have to reduce their payload, we still can take off with four tons on board,” said Sven Krey, managing partner of Spezialflug Berlin.
In addition, the Mi-8 series helicopters have an almost proverbial robustness and are highly cost-efficiency. Therefore it is the standard helicopter of UN organizations for missions in remote areas and the hot regions of the earth.
The German Bundeswehr uses older Mi-8 version for logistic support in Mali and Afghanistan.
In order to register and operate the new Mi-8 type in Europe Spezialflug had to complete the validation process of the Ukraine STC validated by the Czech Civil Aviation Authority.
