Posted on 03/21/2013 7:56:01 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Mi-24, Legendary Russian Attack Helicopter, Turns 40 This Year
(Source: Russian Helicopters JSC; issued March 20, 2013)
MOSCOW --- This year marks the 40th anniversary of production of the Mi-24, the first purpose-built Russian combat helicopter, at Rostov Helicopter Plant, today called Rosvertol, a Russian Helicopters company. The design of the Mi-24, a strike and transport helicopter was, was so successful that versions are still in use today: some 1,500 Mi-24s serve with the armed forces of 60 countries worldwide.
In 1978, helicopter test pilot and Hero of the Soviet Union Gurgen Karapetyan set a world helicopter flight speed record of 368.4kmh in an Mi-24. For Russian-made helicopters this record stands to this day.
The Mi-24 was used as the model for development of the Mi-35M, which entered production at Rosvertol in 2005. As well as having substantially superior flight capabilities and manoeuvrability to its predecessor, the Mi-35M can fly combat missions round the clock and in a range of geographies and climates such as high-temperature and high-altitude environments. The Mi-35M is in demand around the world, particularly in Russia and other CIS countries. A new market is South America, where countries have also begun incorporating this unique military machine into their fleets.
The Mi-35M is equipped with advanced high-precision weapons, and it can be used day and night to destroy armoured targets or to provide air support for ground operations. It can be configured as a strike, ground assault, medevac or transport helicopter, making it not only effective but also highly valuable, as it can replace a number of different rotorcraft.
A key advantage of the Mi-35M is its round-the-clock combat capability. It comes with advanced navigation equipment and multifunctional colour displays, surveillance and targeting systems that include thermal imaging and television channel, a laser range finder and a location finder. This not only reduces demands facing the crew, but also allows the helicopter's guided and unguided weapons to be used at any time. The helicopter is also able to take off and land in unprepared and poorly-equipped areas. The multi-role Mi-35M, developed based on the illustrious Mi-24, is unique in its class. Russian Helicopters is rightfully proud of its accomplishment in developing this aircraft, which has become a touchstone for helicopter manufacturing worldwide.
Rosvertol, OJSC is a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters that produces widely used Mil-brand helicopters and also carries out repair and upgrade work and supplies technical equipment and services. Rosvertol currently mass-produces the Mi-28 Night Hunter (Mi-28NE in its export version); the new Mi-35M combat support helicopter; and the multi-role transport Mi-26T, the world's heaviest-lift helicopter.
Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of the Rostec State Corporation. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2011 its IFRS revenues increased 27.8% to RUB 103.9 billion. Deliveries reached 262 helicopters.
-ends-
Still a big missile target.
“We do not fear the Russians, but we do fear their helicopters.”
viz= "The Second Amendment has no limits on firepower"-NY State Senator Marchione.
Ugly but effective.
Good old flying dishwashers.
I love flying these choppers in Battlefield 3. They’re clunky as Hell and handle like a Yugo with 3 flat tires.
They were never a match for Rambo.
In fact only a few were really shot down by Stingers. Soviets were pretty quick with effective countermeasures.
Almost all choppers are. Slow and low lumbering targets. Just ask the Army chaps if they like riding in Blackhawks.
Gurgen Karapetyan set a world helicopter flight speed record of 368.4kmh in an Mi-24....... that speed was recorded just seconds before it nose-dived into the ground.
But could withstand a Wolverine RPG.
They look like bugs.
Well especially when it goes clear through the door openings on both sides.
four groups of 10,000 parts, provided by the low bidder, in close formation beating the air into submission while trying their best to become separate again.
Here’s a link to an article listing 74 Hi-24’s lost in Afghanistan, along with 14 ‘unidentified’, some of which must have been Hi-24’s.
It does not say whether they were lost to Stingers, or any particular weapon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Soviet_aircraft_losses_in_Afghanistan
You’re thinking of the Mi-28 Havoc. There are some similarities, like the stairstep profile, but they’re very different choppers.
To be more detailed 43 Hinds suffered 89 hits from manpads of all types during Afghan-Soviet War, 18 aircraft totaled beyond repair (including abandoned after forced landing and destroyed by fellow fighter-bombers). Most Soviet losses inflicted through 1986 to earlier 1987. In fact Russians captured and learned a Stinger in about a month after it has first appeared and they were fast with countermeasures. Exhaust coolers, IR-jammer and flare dispensers you can see on newer models made Stinger almost as obsolete as previous manpads against this type of chopper. Since late 1987 hit ratio was back to about 1-200. Hinds usually patrolled and attacked in packs of two to eight aircraft in a carousel formation covering each other. Considering countermeasures it was pretty suicidal to fire Stinger at such a formation, the result was usually fatal for an AA-team with little to none effect on aircraft.
You’re right. My apologies for the misinformation.
May have just been a loading issue. Been on a Bell Ranger had the same problem at altitude.
The afghans use to tie themselves up in the top of a tree and try to hit them with RPGs. They had to be up high because the backblast of an RPG will take your legs off if you aim it up and fire. Some number of those were likely brought down by RPGs.
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