The Mi-1’s simplicity, versatility, and reliability made it a workhorse for the USSR and its allies.
Developed by the Mil Design Bureau, the Soviet Mil Mi-1 is the first helicopter produced by the Soviet Union. Having first entered service in 1950, the Mi-1 (NATO reporting name “Hare”) was a pioneering design that marked the Soviet Union’s entry into helicopter production. Though modest by modern standards, the Mi-1 played a critical role in establishing the Soviet helicopter industry, laying the groundwork for the iconic Mil helicopters that followed.
Development of the Mi-1 began in the late 1940s, during a period when helicopters were still a nascent technology and a unique sighting in the world’s skies. The Soviet Union, keen to keep pace with Western advancements in aviation, recognized the potential of helicopters for civilian, military, and industrial applications. In 1947, Joseph Stalin personally tasked prominent Soviet aeronautical engineer Mikhail Leontyevich Mil to design a practical helicopter. Mil, who had previously worked on autogyros and fixed-wing aircraft, assembled a team at his newly established design bureau to tackle the challenge.
The Mi-1: The Soviet Union’s First Chopper
Initially designated as the Gelikopter Mila (GM-1), the Mi-1 Project drew inspiration from Western designs, particularly the American Sikorsky S-51, but was adapted to Soviet engineering constraints and operational needs. The design process was arduous, as the USSR lacked experience in helicopter production and faced shortages of specialized materials and components. The team focused on creating a simple, reliable, and versatile helicopter capable of operating in diverse environments ranging from the Arctic to Central Asia.
The first prototype flew on September 20, 1948, powered by a licensed copy of the Ivchenko AI-26V radial engine, a seven-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 575 horsepower. Early tests revealed challenges with stability and vibration, but gradual improvements addressed these issues. By 1949, the Mi-1 was deemed ready for full-scale production, and in 1950, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force and civilian operators. The helicopter was officially named the Mi-1, reflecting the Mil Design Bureau’s naming convention.
A light, single-rotor helicopter with a compact and utilitarian design, the Mi-1 had a maximum takeoff weight of around 5,511 pounds. The fuselage was constructed primarily of steel tubing with fabric covering, while later variants incorporated more metal components for durability. The helicopter featured a three-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor, providing stable flight characteristics for its time.
The Mi-1’s AI-26V engine gave it a top speed of around 118 miles per hour and a range of around 267 miles. It could carry a pilot and up to three passengers or 1,102 pounds of cargo, making it suitable for a variety of roles. The helicopter’s simple design allowed for operation from unprepared airstrips, a critical feature for Soviet applications in remote locations.
As for equipment, its instrumentation was basic, including radio and navigation aids. The bird lacked the advanced avionics of later helicopters. Its open cockpit in early models was later enclosed to improve pilot comfort, and some variants featured external slings for cargo or stretchers for medical evacuation. The helicopter’s versatility was enhanced by its ability to operate in harsh climates, a testament to Soviet engineering priorities.
The Mi-1 Had a Broad Mission Set
Having entered service in the early 1950s, the Soviets used these birds mostly for reconnaissance, liaison, and training missions. The helicopter’s ability to access remote regions made it invaluable for supporting ground forces, delivering supplies, and conducting search-and-rescue missions. During the Korean War, while not directly involved in combat, Mi-1s were used for training and logistics support in Soviet-aligned nations.
Moscow exported the Mi-1 to Warsaw Pact countries, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary, as well as non-aligned nations like Egypt, Iraq, and Indonesia. Poland became a significant operator of the Mi-1, producing the helicopter under license as the “SM-1” at its Świdnik factory, with over 1,594 units built between 1956 and 1965. These Polish variants often featured local modifications such as improved engines or specialized equipment for agricultural work.
Several variants of the Mi-1 were developed to meet specific needs. The Mi-1U was a dual-control trainer; the Mi-1T was an upgraded civilian model with enhanced performance; and the Mi-1M a modernized version, with a larger cabin and an all-metal fuselage. Specialized versions included the Mi-1A for agricultural spraying and the Mi-1NKh for multi-role civilian tasks. These adaptations extended the helicopter’s service life into the 1970s.
Although the Mi-1 was modest, it was a pathbreaking helicopter that punched well above its weight. Its simplicity, versatility, and reliability made it a workhorse for the USSR and its allies, while its development paved the way for a dynasty of Mil helicopters that continue to shape aviation today. The Mi-1 may lack the fame of its successors, but its role as the USSR’s first helicopter ensures its place as a milestone in the history of flight.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
