Mil Mi-2 Helicopter 1974 – Restored & Documented

This Mil Mi-2, manufactured in 1974 and registered as LY-HBI, is one of the best-preserved examples of this classic Soviet twin-turbine helicopter. With extensive documented history, a full technical overhaul, and a modernized interior, it offers both a piece of aviation history and a machine ready for new missions.

History

The Mi-2 is the smallest conventional helicopter from Russian designer Mil and was built between 1965–1985 in around 5,500 units at the PZL factory in Świdnik, Poland.

This particular example has logged approximately 3,200 flight hours. The helicopter was first restored in 2001 with a new interior, radar altimeter, ice protection system, auxiliary fuel tanks, and an ELT emergency transmitter.

In 2024, a new and extensive restoration was undertaken, including:

1. Sheet metal work and inspection of all rivets and joints
2. New primer: SIGMACOVER 350 epoxy primer
3. New topcoat: SIGMADUR 550 black polyurethane finish
4. Overhaul of main gearbox
5. Newly refurbished dampers, hydraulic absorbers, and collective
6. Inspected rotor blades
7. New filters and oils in all systems
8. Greased with AeroShell 22

Interior

1. Brand new cabin with seats upholstered in fire-approved leather
2. New side windows and window frames
3. Complete new interior trim

Technical Specifications

General characteristics:

1. Crew: 1 pilot (dual controls installed)
2. Capacity: 8 passengers or 700 kg internal load / 800 kg external load
3. Length: 11.40 m
4. Rotor diameter: 14.50 m
5. Height: 3.75 m
6. Rotor disc area: 165.13 m²
7. Empty weight: 2,372 kg
8. Max takeoff weight: 3,700 kg

Performance:

1. Engines: 2 × GTD-350 turbines (total 800 hp)
2. Maximum speed: 200 km/h
3. Range: 440 km
4. Service ceiling: 4,000 m
5. Rate of climb: 4.5 m/s
6. Disc loading: 22.41 kg/m²

Hours & Component Status:

1. Total airframe: ~3,200 h
2. Main gearbox: 2,400 h remaining
3. Both turbines: ~700 h remaining
4. TBO: 1,500 h / 6 years

Systems:

1. Cabin heating via engine bleed air and heat exchanger
2. Hydraulic system: 65 bar, 7.5 l/min for cyclic and collective control
3. Pneumatic system: 49 bar for main wheel brakes
4. Electrical system: 2 × STG-3 3 kW starter/generators, 208V 16kVA 3-phase AC
5. Belly-mounted debris/splitter protection

Maintenance & Fluids (2024):

1. New turbine oil
2. New hydraulic oil: AeroShell 40
3. New oil in main gearbox: 85/140
4. New fuel filters
5. New tail rotor oil: 85W/140
6. Flap damper oil: AeroShell Fluid 41
7. Greased with AeroShell 22

Summary

This Mil Mi-2 is a fully restored, airworthy example with carefully documented maintenance and upgrades. With its new interior, fresh paintwork, and overhauled vital systems, it offers a unique opportunity to acquire one of the most versatile helicopters of the Cold War era – ready for new adventures, private collection, or continued operation.