Book excerpt: This publication covers the legendary soviet multipurpose type, the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. As a very first book it describes not only the history and status of the original Mi-8 variants powered by TV2-117 engines starting with the V-8 prototype and the Mi-8MT (for export known as Mi-17) models powered by TV3-117 engines, but also the Mi-8AMT (Mi-171) family up to the latest Mi-8AMTSh-VN special operations variant. Each version is introduced by its development and production history and by the service and export. A separate chapter is dedicated to the detailed description of all Mi-8/17/171 family upgrades done by Belorussian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Finnish, French, Israeli, Lithuanian, Polish, Serbian, Slovak, South African, Turkish, UAE, UK, Ukrainian, US, Yugoslavian and of course Russian companies. All known special variants and demonstrators are described in detail as well. The publication includes list of export production and also list of re-exports giving to the reader a full idea of the world footprint of the Hip. A detailed technical description is attached highlighting variants' deviations. All variants and upgrades are lavishly illustrated by mostly color pictures including strip-down and walk-around pictures of the helicopter and its systems. Essential reading for aviation enthusiasts & scale aeromodellers.