The Super Frelon originated from two prototypes of the SA 3200 Frelon [Hornet], the first of which was flown for the first time on 10 June 1959.

The Mi-8/14/17 series of helicopters has been one of the most important families of helicopters operated by countries coming under Soviet influence in the days of the cold war, with some 9,000 examples of the Mi-8 alone being built.