Aviation Museum Kunovice acquires former VIP transport helicopter

The Aviation Museum in Kunovice is expanding its collection with a Mil Mi-8S helicopter. The aircraft previously served at the 24th Transport Aviation Base in Prague-Kbely, where it was used to transport VIP passengers, including the president, prime minister, and high-ranking generals.

The helicopter was officially decommissioned by the military three days ago and was transported from Prague to Kunovice by land. The ground transport was conducted by soldiers from the 14th Logistics Support Regiment from Pardubice, with support from the 24th Transport Aviation Base and employees of the state enterprise LOM Praha.

The Military History Institute (VHÚ) has provided the helicopter to the museum on a long-term loan, citing a successful long-term cooperation between the two institutions. While the aircraft has arrived, it will not be part of the public exhibition until next season. For the time being, it will be housed in a temporary shelter provided by Aircraft Industries. The Mi-8 will join other notable government aircraft in the museum's collection, such as the Tu-154M and the Yak-40.