picture 204258

A reconstruction of an Iraqi Mi-8T as seen on a photograph from the early 1980s, but too poor for reproduction. This helicopter – said to have been frequently used for the deployment of Iraqi special forces behind Iranian frontlines – was apparently delivered wearing the usual olive-green colour on upper surfaces and sides, and light admiralty grey (BS381C/697) on bottom sides, and then camouflaged through the application of irregular splotches of sand and apple green. Unusually, no large Iraqi national flag was applied on the rear of the cabin: instead, it received only a single set of national markings, and a small serial (2062) in black on the boom. As often in the case of Iraqi Mi-8s, rear cargo doors were completely removed in order to enable rapid embarkation and disembarkation of troops and cargo. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)