III. Translate the second and the third paragraphs in a written form.
IV. Make up a summary of the text.
UNIT 3
Mi-8 Transport Helicopter
Vocabulary: helicopter, winch, fuel tank, blade, mode, pneumatic failure alarm system, turboshaft engine, bearing.
The Mi-8 Transport Helicopter is the most massively produced helicopter in the world. In the Soviet Union there were developed more than 50 various modifications of this helicopter and built approximately 12 000 helicopters including 3 600 built for export. These helicopters are still built at Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kazan Helicopter Plant and Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. The Mi-8 Transport Helicopters took part in a great number of military conflicts all around the world. At the moment Mi-8 with its various modifications are operated in over 50 countries of the world including some NATO countries.
Development of the Mi-8 Helicopter began at the beginning of 60-ties. Helicopter's name as Mi is shortened its general designer's surname. This helicopter was intended to replace the outdated and lighter Mi-4 helicopter. First prototype of the Mi-8 with a 4-blade rotor was tested in 1962. Tests showed that prototype has a number of disadvantages and after its improvement in 1963 tests began of the second machine with a 5-blade rotor. Tests showed that this new transport helicopter had 2.5-fold better weightlifting and 1.4-fold higher speed comparing with the Mi-4. This version was adopted and its serial production started in 1965.
The Mi-8T is a base version of the transport helicopter available in civil and military versions. Its cockpit accommodates three crew members - commander, navigator, and flight mechanic. The cockpit can be armored (military version). The helicopter has external hardpoints for external armament such as aviation missiles, bombs and a slung load. A slung load is up to 3 000 kg.
Helicopter's landing-transport equipment can be used to load light towed combat material and armament with winches and for people rescuing from the ground or from the sea by an electrically operated 200 kg capacity hoist. The cabin has cargo tie-down points on the floor. Ramps are provided for loading light vehicles.
Fuel is carried in two flexible internal and external fuel tanks (1870l capacity both). Range of flight with normal load is 465 km. However the fuel capacity can be increased up to 3700l for 950 km flying range. The Mi-8 "Hip" uses aviation kerosene.
Helicopter has a transmission scheme very similar to the Mi-4. Fuselage is constructed from aluminum plates. Main and torque rotors have 5 and 3 blades consequently. The main rotor features hollow blades made from pressed high quality aluminum alloy. Spars are fitted with icing prevention system heating elements operated in automatic or manual modes. All main rotor blades are fitted with pneumatic failure alarm system.
The Mi-8 "Hip" Transport Helicopter is powered by two Klimov TVZ-117 type turboshaft engines. Engine air intake deflectors prevent ingestion of dust. It is also fitted with electricity generator, hydraulic pumps, cooling fan. The Mi-8 Helicopter engines are ignited by starter motor which can be used as additional electricity source. In case of one of the main engine failures during flight the other main engine power is increased. One engine power is enough to keep horizontal flight without loosing altitude. This feature determines high helicopter flight safety and reliability.
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Helicopter has a three bearing fixed chassis fitted with wheels. Both rear bearings have absorbing devices. The Mi-8 "Hip" is fitted with fire prevention, icing prevention, air conditioning systems.
Protection system contains exhaust gas spreading, infrared trap launching, and infrared beam impulse generation systems to counteract against enemy guided missiles based on infrared guidance. Helicopter is fitted with explosion resistant foam filled fuel tanks.
Navigation, piloting, and radio equipment allows to make flights at any day or night time and meteorological conditions. Piloting control system is duplicated and based on hydraulic mechanisms. Helicopter is fitted with a four-channel autopilot stabilizing the helicopter in 4 flight coordinates - axis and height, course, alteration, and speed.
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