This afternoon had a chat with Chic about damage model of the Mi8 under small arms fire...

Ran a simplistic mission.  A line of Russian Infantry 250m from a stationary Blue Helicopter.

The Mi8 on average lasted about 15 seconds before it was inoperative with engines on fire.

The UH-1h, SA342 and KA50 happily took off and flew after 60 seconds albeit with some minor damage to the Huey and Gaz.

Sure the Mi8 is bigger in profile and you cant really compare the Ka50 because of armour... but still it appears there is a major difference between airframes.

Maybe the infantries accuracy model allow it to be more effective on the larger Mi8 engine position..?

Any thoughts?

The mission file is here in case you want to experiment... https://www.dropbox.com/s/sk8balhj4e3qkjh/test.miz?dl=0

The damage models for MI8 and ka50 are a lot more realistic so it's not really something you can compare. In the real world, incoming rounds would go through the bottom of the Huey and hit important stuff. DCS does not have "through" damage modeling. This gives the Huey the advantage because the engine is centered on top and in the center of the aircraft. I am not sure the add-on armor plates for the mi8 are modeled either. I would also do an experiment with the aircraft flying over the enemy to get more data.

Does the Mi8 have fire resistant fuel cells like the Huey?

I am not sure.  I am sure the MTv's Do.  I will look it up and get back to you.

Update:

"The Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter is equipped with a crash-worthy service
cell and extended range main saddle tanks for a
normal fuel capacity of 2615 liters (683 gal)."

"The standard Mi-17 helicopter is equipped with a
CO2 inerting system to suppress fire/explosions in
the fuel tanks. The system is activated via the covered
INERT GAS switch on the fuel system panel.
When engaged, the INERT GAS caution light located
below the switch illuminates."