During the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY 2018, the Russian Helicopters company (a part of Rostec State Corporation) has presented for the first time two new variants of the well-known Mi-24/35 helicopter.
The modernized Mi-35P helicopter has the OPS-24N-1L observation-sight system with a third-generation matrix long wavelength thermal imager, a TV camera and a laser rangefinder. The new digital flight simulator based on the PKV-8 automatic flight control system will increase the helicopter’s steadiness and automate piloting to assist a pilot. In addition, a modernized sight and computing system will increase the accuracy of target engagement.
The new Mi-35M helicopter has much more options in terms of equipment. The helicopter can be further upgraded for using Igla-S air-to-air guided missiles and the President-S onboard defence system with a laser station for suppression of infra-red homing heads of man-portable air-defence system missiles. Additional equipment may include VOR/ILS systems and a radio rangefinder for measuring the distance between a helicopter and ground-based beacons.
“The Mi-24/35 helicopters are among the machines most frequently used in military operations all over the world. They have been used during more than 30 wars and military conflicts. With such wide experience, we have managed to perfect this platform, and now we are consistently equipping it with state-of-the-art armaments and avionics. Serial production of the upgraded machines will commence when all the modifications have been tested,” said Andrey Boginsky, CEO, Russian Helicopters.
Both helicopters were the part of the static display of ARMY 2018 and were presented in the new, digital cammouflage pattern.
Mi-24 multi-purpose helicopter (Mi-35 is the export designation) was developed at the end of 1960s and more than 2600 were produced. The helicopter has a large number of variants and was operated by approximately 60 air forces worldwide.
The current development includes several modernized variants, modified to meet the requirements of the modern battlefield. Mi-24/35 is now equipped with modern high-precision weapons and can perform combat missions at any time of day and in all weather conditions. Whether the helicopter is designed for destroying armoured fighting vehicles and providing fire support for ground troops, the distinctive characteristic of Mi-24/35 was still maintained. In contrast to the usual attack-helicopter design, Mi-24/35 helicopter still has the ability to carry personnel with armaments and transport up to three wounded persons from the battlefield, as well as cargo inside the cabin or on an external sling.
The International Military-Technical Forum ARMY 2018 was held from August 21 through August 26, in Kubinka, Moscow Region.
Photo courtesy of Russian Helicopters, materials from the official press release of Russian Helicopters were used.
