Mi-34 Hermit

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.

Design

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.

Operational History

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.

Variants

Main Variants:

• Mi-34S – A four-seat production model, it features a Vedeneyev radial engine and modern avionics, with some units serving in the Moscow police.

• 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.

• Mi-34P Patrulnyi – Designed as a police patrol version for the Moscow Mayor Office.

• Mi-34M1 – A new prototype, it distinguishes itself by using a Russian-made VK-650V turboshaft engine.

• Mi-34UT – A trainer variant equipped with dual controls for flight instruction.