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Mil Mi-2 Hoplite

Mil / PZL Swidnik · Utility / Transport Helicopter · USSR · Early Jet (1946–1969)

The Mil Mi-2 (NATO reporting name Hoplite) was a Soviet/Polish twin-turbine light utility helicopter — the turbine-engine successor to the piston Mi-1. Mikhail Mil designed the Mi-2 in 1960-1961; first flight 22 September 1961. About 5,497 Mi-2s were built between 1965 and 1998 at PZL Swidnik, Poland (all Mi-2 production was Polish — the Soviets transferred production to Poland in 1965). The aircraft serves military + civil operators worldwide through 2026.

The Mi-2 used 2 × Klimov GTD-350 turboshaft engines (400 shp each). Maximum speed 210 km/h, range 580 km, service ceiling 4,000 m. Capacity: 8 passengers + 1-2 pilots, or 800 kg cargo / 700 kg external sling. The aircraft inherits Mi-1's general configuration but with twin turbines replacing the piston engine — providing notably better performance + reliability.

Mi-2 service is extensive across Warsaw Pact + ~30 worldwide military + civilian operators. Polish Air Force operates ~50 Mi-2s in liaison + light-attack + training roles. Civilian use spans agriculture + EMS + tourism + light transport in former-Soviet states + worldwide. About 1,500 Mi-2s remain in-service in 2026.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Mil Mi-2 was a small Soviet helicopter built mostly in Poland. It looked a lot like the older piston-powered Mi-1 but used two modern turbine engines instead. The Mi-2 was faster, more reliable, and much quieter than the helicopter it replaced.

About 5,497 Mi-2s were built between 1965 and 1998, all of them at the PZL factory in Swidnik, Poland. The Soviet Union moved Mi-2 production to Poland because the Soviets wanted to make bigger helicopters at home. The Mi-2 has served the air forces and police of over 30 countries.

The Mi-2 had two turbine engines mounted on top of the cabin. Each engine had 400 horsepower. The helicopter could carry up to 8 passengers, or 800 kg of cargo, or a few sick people on stretchers. It is about as long as a city bus.

The Mi-2 is still used today in some countries for crop dusting, training, and air taxi work. Some are even used by police and rescue teams. The helicopter has been flying for 60 years, which is a really long time.

Fun Facts

The Mi-2 was built in Poland even though it was a Soviet design.
About 5,497 Mi-2s were built between 1965 and 1998.
It used two small turbine engines instead of the Mi-1's piston engine.
The Mi-2 can carry up to 8 passengers plus the pilot.
Some Mi-2s are still flying for police, rescue, and crop dusting today.
Over 30 countries have used the Mi-2 since the 1960s.

Kids’ Questions

Why is the Mi-2 built in Poland instead of Russia?

The Soviet Union wanted its own factories to focus on bigger helicopters like the Mi-8 and Mi-26. So the Soviets gave Poland the job of building the Mi-2 at the PZL factory in Swidnik. Poland kept building them for over 30 years.

What jobs does the Mi-2 still do today?

The Mi-2 is still used by police, rescue teams, and crop-dusting companies in several countries. It is also a popular training helicopter because it is small and cheap to fly. Some are even used as air taxis to remote places.

Variants

Mi-2 (basic): Standard PZL Swidnik production. ~5,000 built.
Mi-2URN / URP (armed): Polish-developed armed variants with rocket pods + ATGMs.

Notable Operators

Polish Air Force + Polish civil: Lead operator. ~150 active 2026.
~30 worldwide military + civil: Russia + Ukraine + Cuba + worldwide. ~1,500 active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Mi-2 production transferred to Poland?

Comecon division of labour. The Soviet Union assigned light-helicopter production to PZL Swidnik, Poland in 1965 as part of Comecon's industrial specialisation strategy — Soviet Mil bureau retained design authority but ceded all manufacturing to Poland. PZL Swidnik built the Mi-2 for 33 years (1965-1998) — establishing Poland's helicopter industry that continues to produce the modern PZL W-3 Sokół.

Sources

Wikipedia — Mil Mi-2