Mil Mi-34 Hermit
Summary
| Category | Training aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| First flight | 17 November 1986 |
| Year of introduction | 1993 |
| Number produced | 27 units |
Description
The Mil Mi-34 is a light helicopter developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, designed for utility and training purposes in two or four-seat configurations. Development led to its first flight on 17 November 1986, followed by its introduction at the Paris Air Show in 1987. Production commenced in 1993.
The original Mi-34S production model is powered by a Vedeneyev M-14V-26V nine-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engine delivering 239 kW (325 hp), mounted sideways in the fuselage, and is equipped with modern avionics. The helicopter is capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers, including rolls and loops.
In October 2024, a new domestic engine version, the Mil Mi-34M1, achieved its first hovering flight. This prototype utilizes the Russian-made VK-650V turboshaft engine as a replacement for the earlier radial engine.
The Mil Mi-34 has seen limited operational use. It has been adopted by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Nigerian Air Force for military roles. Some aircraft were procured by the Moscow police for patrol duties, designated as the Mi-34P Patrulnyi variant. Operational strengths of the Mi-34 lie in its aerobatic capabilities and its suitability for training roles, while its weaknesses likely include its limited payload capacity and range, typical of light helicopters.
Main Variants:
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Mi-34S – A four-seat production model, it features a Vedeneyev radial engine and modern avionics, with some units serving in the Moscow police.
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Mi-34S2 "Sapsan" – This turbine version of the Mi-34 can accommodate up to four passengers and is powered by a Turbomeca Arrius-2F engine.
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Mi-34P Patrulnyi – Designed as a police patrol version for the Moscow Mayor Office.
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Mi-34M1 – A new prototype, it distinguishes itself by using a Russian-made VK-650V turboshaft engine.
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Mi-34UT – A trainer variant equipped with dual controls for flight instruction.
Technical specifications
| Version: Mi-34S | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130 mph) |
| Height | 2.8 m (9.0 ft) |
| Length | 11.4 m (37.4 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 4000 m (13123 ft) |
| Empty weight | 950 kg (2094 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1450 kg (3197 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × pistons engine Vedeneyev M14V-26 delivering 239 kW |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nigeria | 1 | |
Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.