Bell Huey vs Mil MI-8
The Bell Huey (UH-1 family) and Mil Mi-8 are the two iconic Cold War utility helicopters — the Huey is the agile medium utility classic; the Mi-8 is the much larger, higher-capacity Soviet transport workhorse.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Bell Huey | MIL MI-8 |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | — |
| Category | — | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 32 kts (59 km/h) |
| Engines | — | 1 x Turboshaft |
Which Should You Buy: Bell Huey or MIL MI-8?
Bottom line: Choose the Mi-8 for far greater cabin volume and payload — a heavy utility transport. Choose the Huey for a smaller, more agile and more widely-supported (in the West) utility helicopter — selection comes down to payload class, region and parts access.
Pick the Huey if…
Pick the MI-8 if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bell Huey or MIL MI-8?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The MI-8 cruises at 32 kts.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Bell Huey and MIL MI-8?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
MI-8: 2 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data