A load master is usually carried in the cabin. 24 troops can be embarked in the cabin.
Tail rotor acts as a small vertical stabilizer at the end of the boom.
The helicopter has a non-retractable tricycle type landing gear with differential braking for steering. T wo Isotov TV2-117A engines, each developing 1500 shp. Fitted for a 12.7mm machine gun in the chin. Can also carry four UV-57 unguided rocket pods. For a longtime the Mi-8 was the mainstay of the IAF's helicopter fleet.