picture 169684

Much overlooked in the West during the campaigns of 1987-1988, was the role played by Angolan and Cuban crews of Mi-8 transport helicopters. While all were Angolan-owned, and officially assigned to the 1st and 2nd Squadrons of the 21st Helicopter Regiment, at least a dozen were actually operated by an independent squadron of the Cuban contingent attached to the Angolan Air Force and Air Defence Force. This example was one of Mi-8MTV-1s acquired from 1983-1984: most were armed, usually with up to four UB-16-57 or UB-32-57 pods for S-5K unguided 57mm rockets. Their livery was usually simple and consisted of olive drab (BS381C/298) on upper surfaces and sides, and the bottom of the cabin in light admiralty grey (BS381C/697). National markings were frequently missing, or applied in the form of a small national flag next to the cockpit window. Serials were worn in black on the boom.
(Artwork by Tom Cooper)