Ein Zivan – A Dalve. Variants Prototypes/experimental/low production rate V-8 (NATO – Hip-A) The original single-engined prototype. V-8A A twin-engined prototype, featuring TV2-117 turboshaft engines, the prototype underwent further modifications during its life. V-8AT Prototype of the Mi-8T utility version. Mi-8 (NATO – Hip-B) Twin-engined prototype. Mi-8TG Conversion to operate on LPG gas. Mi-18 Prototype design, a modification of the existing Mil Mi-8. Two Mi-8s were extended by 0.9 meters (3 ft), the landing gear made retractable, and a sliding door added to the starboard side of the fuselage. The Mi-18s were used in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and later used as static training airframes for pilots of the Mi-8/17. Basic military transport/airframe Mi-8T (NATO – Hip-C) First mass production utility transport version, it can carry four UV-16-57 unguided rocket pods, (with S-5 rockets), mounted to four hardpoints on two outrigger pylons, and is armed with one or two side-mounted PK machine guns. Mi-8TV Armed version of the Mi-8T. Mi-8TVK (NATO – Hip-E, a.k.a. Mi-8TB) Version used as a gunship or direct air support platform. Airframe modifications add 2x external hard points for a total of 6, and mount a flexible 12.7 mm (0.5-inch) KV-4 machine gun in the nose. Armament of 57 mm S-5 rockets, six UV-32-57 rocket pods, 551-lb (250-kg) bombs, or four AT-2 Swatter ATGMs. Mi-8TBK (NATO – Hip-F) Armed export version, fitted with six launch rails to carry and fire Malyutka missiles. Command and electronic warfare Mi-8IV (NATO – Hip-G, a.k.a. Mi-9) Airborne command post version fitted with "Ivolga" system, characterized by antennas, and Doppler radar on tail boom. Mi-8PP (NATO – Hip-K) Airborne jamming platform with "Polye" (field) system. From 1980, the type was fitted with the new "Akatsiya" system and redesignated the Mi-8PPA. It is characterized by six "X"-shaped antennas on each side of the aft fuselage. Built to escort troop-carrying versions of this helicopter, and disrupt potentially-nearby SPAAG radars, such as those of the Flakpanzer Gepard. Mi-8PD Polish airborne command post version. Mi-8SMV (NATO – Hip-J) Airborne jamming platform with "Smalta-V" system, characterized by two small boxes on each side of the fuselage. Used for protection of ground attack aircraft against enemy air defenses. Mi-8VKP (NATO – Hip-D, a.k.a. Mi-8VzPU) Airborne communications platform with rectangular communication canisters mounted on weapons racks and with two frame-type aerials above the rear fuselage. Other military Mi-8AD Minelaying version with four VSM-1 dispensers. Mi-8AV Minelaying version