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The Mil Mi-2 is an 8-10-seat multi-role transport helicopter powered by two Izotov turboshaft engines.
The Mil Mi-2 (NATO reporting name 'Hoplite') was derived from the piston-engine Mil Mi-1. It provides
accommodation for six-eight passengers and two crewmembers. In the ambulance role, it can carry four
casualty stretchers and a medical attendant. The first of two prototypes of the Mi-2 or V-2 powered by two
400shp Isotov GTD-350 turboshaft engines mounted above the cabin was flown first in September 1961. Production
was initiated in 1963 at the PZL Swidnik factory in Poland. The first PZL-Swidnik Mi-2 performed its first
flight in November 1965. In 1988, the PZL W-3 Sokol replaced the Mi-2 in production. Over 5000 PZL-Swidnik
Mil Mi-2 helicopters were built. |
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After the reunification of Germany in 1990, various aircraft and helicopters of the former NVA were sold to private individuals.
It is not clear whether the PZL-Swidnik Mil Mi-2 RA-44801 was employed by the NVA or was realy ex Dosaaf, but it is striking that
this helicopter was first seen in 1991 as RA-44501 at Mönchengladbach in fresh painted green Dosaaf colors. In June 1999, the
RA-44501 was seen at Maastricht Airport where it stayed at least until the end of 2000. In 2002, the RA-44501 was seen first at
Stadtlohn, where it stayed for several years. The present residence of the RA-44501 is not known yet.
On 25 February 2003,
PZL-Swidnik Mil Mi-2 RA-44501 with ДоСААф titles (cyrillic for DOSAAF) was seen at
Verkehrslandeplatz Stadtlohn-Vreden (EDLS) in Germany. s/n 5410610048 is given as seen on the plate of the PZL-Swidnik Mil Mi-2; there are
rumours that the RA-44501 has s/n 5210510018 (ex CCCP-14174 and RA-14174).
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator for the PZL-Swidnik Mil Mi-2 is MI2. |
