Navigation complex mi 35 helicopter.
The Mi-35M is a deep modernization of the well-proven transport and combat aircraft, which received the nickname “Crocodile” among the troops. Currently, the Mi-35M is produced both for export and for the needs of the Russian army. The helicopter is designed to destroy enemy armored vehicles, fire support for ground forces on the battlefield, landing forces and evacuating the wounded. In addition, it can be used to transport various cargoes in the cabin and on an external sling. The helicopter is manufactured by Rosvertol OJSC, located in Rostov-on-Don.
In 2010, the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered 22 Mi-35M helicopters with a delivery date of 2010-2015. As of August 2012, there were 12 Mi-35M helicopters in the Russian army. Later, another additional contract was signed for the supply of 27 helicopters until 2014. In addition to Russia, the operators of this helicopter are Venezuela - an order for 10 helicopters (designation Mi-35M2 Caribe), Brazil - an order for 12 helicopters (designation AH-2 Saber), Azerbaijan - an order for 24 helicopters.
Thanks to the modernization program, the new Mi-35M helicopter has become a multi-purpose attack vehicle that is capable of performing combat missions around the clock, even in the most difficult weather conditions. The helicopter is equipped with a mobile double-barreled artillery mount GSh-23L of 23 mm caliber and is armed with Sturm-type anti-tank guided missiles.
One of the design features of the Mi-35M was the use of shortened wings and a lightweight fixed landing gear, which had a positive effect on the weight of the helicopter. The X-shaped tail rotor has also undergone changes, which now provides the helicopter with greater controllability while reducing noise levels. The car also received more powerful engines, which made it possible to increase the flight altitude.
Mi-35M Brazilian Air Force
The Mi-35M multi-role attack helicopter is equipped with an upgraded OPS-24N surveillance and sighting system, which is compatible with a night vision system, avionics and can be used in both day and night conditions. The helicopter received a thermal imaging surveillance system, as well as night vision devices, which allows it to detect and recognize targets at a distance of several kilometers at any time of the day. In addition, the helicopter is equipped with a modern satellite navigation system, which is connected to the helicopter’s on-board computer. This allows you to reduce the time for calculating the route, determining navigation parameters, and displaying the route on the helicopter commander’s monitor screen by more than 2 times.
In addition to the combat version, the helicopter can be used in the following roles: airborne, cargo and ambulance.. In the landing version, the helicopter can transport up to 8 paratroopers with personal weapons in the cargo compartment. In the transport version, the helicopter is capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg. ammunition or other cargo inside the cargo compartment. At the same time, the Mi-35M helicopter is equipped with an external suspension system and can transport cargo with a total weight of up to 2,400 kg outside the cargo compartment. In the ambulance version, the Mi-35M can transport 2 lying and 2 sitting wounded or sick people, accompanied by one medical worker.
Features of the Mi-35M helicopter
The modernized Mi-35M helicopter was created on the basis of the export version of the Mi-24 (Mi-35) helicopter for the use of more advanced weapons around the clock. The purpose of the undertaken modernization of the helicopter is to significantly improve its flight performance, as well as to ensure more efficient use of all possible types of weapons (including precision weapons) around the clock and in a wide variety of physical and geographical conditions. Including using the machine in hot climates and high mountains.
Mi-35M Venezuelan Air Force
To ensure round-the-clock execution of combat missions, the Mi-35M was equipped with:
— a new surveillance and sighting system OPS-24N, which includes a gyro-stabilized optical-electronic station GOES-342;
— sighting and computing complex PrVK-24;
— navigation and electronic display complex KNEI-24;
— lighting equipment that is adapted for the use of night vision goggles.
Installation of these systems on a helicopter allowed:
— provide the vehicle with round-the-clock detection and recognition of both ground and surface targets;
— carry out guidance of guided missiles;
— determine the distance to the target of attack using a laser range finder;
— carry out more accurate aiming when using small arms and cannon mobile and stationary weapons, as well as unguided missiles;
— ensure the flight along a given route in semi-automatic mode;
— reduce the physical load on the helicopter crew in the process of operating the machine and using the available weapons.
The use of night vision goggles (NVG) led to the fact that the external and internal lighting equipment of the Mi-35M was specially adapted for them. The use of ONV makes it possible to detect objects under illumination of at least 5 × 10-4 lux. NVGs operate in the wavelength range from 640 to 900 nm. The use of night vision devices provides the helicopter with:
— the ability to pilot at altitudes from 50 to 200 m with visual control of the underlying surface;
— detection of targets such as “armored vehicles”, “power line mast”, “road”, etc.;
— performing takeoff, landing, flight and approach, as well as performing landings touching the ground on unlit and unequipped areas;
— performing various types of search and rescue operations, as well as monitoring the area at night.
Mi-35M Russian Air Force
The Mi-35M helicopter is armed with NPPU-23 - a forward fixed movable gun mount with a GSh-23L cannon (double-barreled). Depending on the weapon option, the helicopter can carry the following types of weapons:
— anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) “Ataka-M” and “Sturm-V” up to 8 pieces, equipped with various types of warheads, depending on the type of targets;
- 2 or 4 B8V20-A blocks with S-8 type NAR (80-mm caliber unguided aircraft missile);
— suspended cannon armament, which consists of 2 UPK-23-250 containers equipped with GSh-23L cannons.
To improve the technical characteristics, flight performance, and aerodynamic qualities of the Mi-35M helicopter, a new load-bearing system was installed on it. It includes a new main rotor, the blades of which are made from composite materials, and the propeller has a new aerodynamic profile. The propeller blades have less weight and increased technical service life. Their survivability against combat damage has been increased.
In addition, the helicopter uses a new main rotor hub with elastomeric hinges that do not require lubrication; the main parts of the bushing are made of titanium alloys. The four-bladed steering propeller with a two-tier X-shaped arrangement of blades is also made from composite materials and was equipped with a torsion bar suspension. In addition, the number of lubrication points for the helicopter tail rotor bushing has been reduced.
The helicopter’s new load-bearing system provides the vehicle with: high maneuverability characteristics, low acoustic signature, as well as increased combat survivability. The main rotor blades installed on the Mi-35M, made of composite materials, allow them to remain operational until the end of the flight, even if hit by artillery shells of up to 30 mm caliber. At the same time, the composite blades of both rotors (main and steering) are equipped with an electrothermal anti-icing system.
In addition, the Mi-35M helicopter was equipped with modern VK-2500-02 engines of increased power, which are a further development of the TV3-117 family of engines. The use of new VK-2500-02 engines, which have an increased altitude and a longer service life compared to TV3-117 engines (up to 60,000 hours), makes it possible to effectively use the helicopter in conditions of high altitudes and high temperatures, and also ensures the safety of the flight and landing of the Mi- 35M with one inoperative engine.
Mi-35M Russian Air Force
In the design of the turbine of the VK-2500-02 engines, modern heat-resistant materials, an electronic-mechanical engine control system were used, and the disk of the first stage of the compressor was strengthened. All this made it possible to increase the temperature of the gases in front of the compressor turbine and the free turbine, increasing the rotation speed of the turbocharger. The engine was equipped with “maximum” and “emergency” flight modes, which are used in case of flight with only 1 running engine.
The Mi-35M helicopter received a new shortened wing equipped with DBZ-UV beam holders, which allow the installation of APU-8/4-U multi-seat launchers used for attaching guided missiles to the helicopter. In addition, a shortened wing with new holders made it possible to increase the manufacturability of equipping the Mi-35M with various special cargo using a mechanism installed in the wing to lift it.
I received a helicopter and new take-off and landing devices, which are designed to absorb and absorb loads during takeoff, landing and taxiing the vehicle on the ground, as well as changing the helicopter’s ground clearance when parked. The machine is also equipped with a non-retractable landing gear, which ensures the safety of helicopter flight at extremely low altitudes or in the event of an emergency landing.
Thus, it can be argued that the Mi-35M helicopter, thanks to being equipped with a digital computing system and modern avionics, and 3rd generation night vision goggles, has become a round-the-clock, all-weather helicopter with an expanded range of combat missions.
Flight characteristics of the Mi-35M:
Dimensions:
- main rotor diameter - 17.2 m,
- tail rotor diameter - 3.84 m,
– length – 17.49 m,
– height – 4.16 m.
Empty weight - 8360 kg, normal weight - 10900 kg, maximum take-off weight - 11500 kg.
Engine type – 2 VK-2500-02, 2x2200 hp.
Maximum speed:
- near the ground - 300 km/h,
- cruising - 260 km/h.
Practical range - 450 km (without PTB) and 1000 km (with PTB).
Static ceiling – 3150 m, dynamic – 5100 m.
Crew – 2 people.
Armament: 2x23-mm NPPU-23 installation (450 rounds), up to 8 Shturm-V, Ataka-M ATGMs, 2 or 4 NAR S-8 units, etc.
As the Izvestia newspaper reported, citing a source in the military department, the Russian Ministry of Defense is planning a large-scale modernization of the fleet of Mi-35 attack helicopters. The new modification of the helicopter will receive the Mi-35MV designation and the unofficial “nickname” “Super Crocodile”.
Helicopter Mi-35M is a deep modernization of the legendary Soviet attack helicopter Mi-24V and has been mass-produced since 2005, both for the Russian army and for export.
Compared to the Mi-24, the Mi-35M has a number of significant differences:
- Fixed landing gear that provides energy absorption upon impact.
- New composite main rotor and X-shaped tail rotor, similar to those used on the Mi-28N helicopter.
- New VK-2500 engines
- Shortened wing with reduced (from 3 to 2) weapon hardpoints. At the same time, the Mi-35M carries a significantly larger ammunition load of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) - up to 16, instead of 4-8 on the Mi-24.
- Modern on-board radio-electronic equipment that allows you to operate effectively at night and in difficult weather conditions.
Mi-35M helicopters were and are actively used by the Russian Aerospace Forces group during combat operations in Syria, as well as by the Iraqi Air Force in combat operations against the terrorist group ISIS (banned in Russia). During combat operations, Mi-35M helicopters demonstrated high reliability, survivability and combat characteristics.
If by the time the Mi-35M began operating in the Russian armed forces, it was considered as a kind of “temporary” helicopter in order to speed up the re-equipment of army aviation with new equipment (mass production of the Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters at that moment was only “gaining momentum”) , then, based on the results of combat use in Syria, it was decided not only to continue to operate these helicopters even in the distant future, but also to modernize the existing fleet of helicopters of this type.
For the first time, a prototype of the modernized Mi-25 was presented at the Army-2018 forum. During the modernization, the Mi-35M will undergo a significant set of improvements. The main aspects of modernization will be:
- Strengthening the armor protection of the helicopter
- New engines
- Installation of a modernized sighting system OPS-24N-1L. This system consists of 4 optical-electronic observation stations located at various points of the helicopter (in the nose and tail, as well as under the wings), which provide an all-angle view of the space around the helicopter. Compared to the existing surveillance and sighting system, the OPS-24N-1 will be equipped with a unique short-wave infrared camera created by the Shvabe concern. The camera provides effective visibility, as well as detection and recognition of even small targets at night, in difficult weather conditions, in conditions of heavy smoke, dust storms, etc.
- Equipping the helicopter with the President-S airborne defense system, which provides effective protection against missiles from man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems and short-range air defense systems equipped with thermal homing heads (GOS). The President-S complex consists of ultraviolet direction finders, optical-electronic suppression laser stations, a central computing device and an information display device. When a launch is detected by ultraviolet direction finders, the crew is notified of a missile attack, indicating the direction of approach of the enemy missile, as well as a large series of false thermal targets are automatically shot. According to data from direction finders, optical-electronic suppression stations completely “blind” the seeker of an attacking missile, which ensures its diversion from the target.
- Expanding the range of used guided weapons. In addition to the "standard" anti-tank missiles of the "Sturm" and "Ataka" families, the Mi-35M will be capable of using "" anti-tank missiles. These missiles have a supersonic flight speed, which distinguishes them from other ATGMs, and a guidance system that operates on the principle of tele-orientation in a laser beam. In addition to the Whirlwinds, the Mi-35MV can be armed with the Strelets missile system with 9M342 missiles (used in the Igla-S man-portable anti-aircraft missile system), which will provide the helicopter with the ability to effectively combat air targets.
Modernization, as can be seen, will significantly expand the combat capabilities of the Mi-35M, which will be comparable to the capabilities of the newer Ka-52 and Mi-28N helicopters and even superior to them in a number of parameters. The Mi-35VM will become an extremely effective fire support weapon on the battlefield, capable of successfully operating both in modern local conflicts against terrorist groups and irregular military formations, and in “classical” combat operations against a technically advanced enemy with modern armored vehicles and air defense systems.
Pavel Rumyantsev
"New Defense Order. Strategies"
The Mi-35M attack helicopter, a multi-purpose helicopter, was developed by the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after. Mil and has been produced since 2005.
The Moscow Helicopter Plant fundamentally modernized the Mi-24V helicopter and created the Mi-35M helicopter.
Mi-35M helicopter for round-the-clock flights, at altitudes of 10-25 meters during the day and above 50 meters at night;
For helicopter flights, a modern navigation system, surveillance and sighting system, and electronic indexing displays are installed. The sighting system is equipped with thermal imagers, laser rangefinders and direction finders.
The Mi-35M is powered by the Klimovsky VK-2500 engine. The helicopter blades are fiberglass. The main rotor has a bearing bushing with elastomer hinges, a new anti-skew mechanism. The tail rotor is X-shaped. The helicopter's landing gear cannot be retracted.
Mi-35M helicopter – application
Mi-35M is used as:
- Impact vehicle for delivering fire strikes to the enemy;
- To transport eight paratroopers with weapons in the transport cabin;
- For transportation of 1500 kilograms of cargo in the cargo compartment and 2500 kilograms of cargo on an external sling;
- Transport wounded soldiers with medical equipment. employee.
Thus, the Mi-35M can perform fire, airborne, transport and sanitary missions.
In addition to Russia, the Mi-35M helicopter is in service with Brazil, Venezuela, and Azerbaijan.
Flight characteristics of the Mi-35M
Flight performance |
|
Engine VK-2500 |
|
Takeoff weight |
|
Normal |
|
Maximum |
|
Take-off weight in ferry version |
|
Payload weight |
|
Empty helicopter weight |
|
Speed |
|
maximum |
|
cruising |
|
static |
|
dynamic |
|
Range |
|
normal |
|
distillation |
|
Main weapons |
|
NPPU-23 (fixed movable gun mount) with GSh-23L cannon, 23 mm caliber, 450 rounds; |
|
2 UPK-23 (universal cannon containers) with GSh-23L cannons, 23 mm caliber, 2x250 rounds; |
|
4 blocks B8V20-A with unguided aircraft missiles NAR type S-8, caliber 80 mm, 4x20 pcs.; |
|
2 blocks B13L1 with unguided aircraft missiles NAR type S-13, caliber 122 mm, 2x5 pcs.; |
|
guided missiles of the "Sturm" type and "Attack" caliber 130 mm, 8 pcs. |
|
Additional options |
|
Complex of pilotage, navigation and electronic display KNEI-24E |
|
Upgraded 9K113K guided missile weapon system, which includes the OPS-24N surveillance and sighting system based on the GOES-342VMI gyro-stabilized control device |
|
Sighting and computing complex PrVK-24 |
|
Removable launcher APU-8\4U on beam holder DB-3UV No. 4 for placing up to 8 missiles of the “Attack” type("Storm") |
|
Fixed mobile gun mount NPPU-23 |
|
Communications complex KSS-28N |
|
Night vision goggles OVN-1 "SKOSOK" |
|
External and internal lighting and signaling equipment adapted to the use of night vision goggles |
The MI-35M helicopter is a modernization of the famous MI-24 transport and combat vehicle, which among the military received the nickname “Crocodile”. It is designed to attack armored vehicles, evacuate the wounded, as well as fire support for ground and airborne forces. In addition, it can be used to transport all kinds of cargo and weapons, in the cabin or on an external sling. Let's take a closer look at this helicopter!
general characteristics
The deep modernization program has made the MI-35M helicopter a universal machine capable of performing assigned tasks anywhere and at any time. The helicopter is armed with a double-barreled 23-mm artillery mount and Sturm-type anti-tank missiles.
Shortened wings and a lightweight fixed landing gear have a positive effect on the weight of the vehicle. Thanks to the modification of the X-shaped tail rotor, the helicopter became less noisy and easier to control. Thanks to the use of more powerful motors, the designers were able to significantly increase the flight altitude.
The MI-35M helicopter, the photo of which is probably familiar to many aviation enthusiasts, has received an improved sighting system that works in conjunction with night vision equipment and can be used at any time. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a modern satellite navigation system connected to an on-board PC. Thanks to this, procedures such as route calculation, determination of coordinates and display of the route on the monitor are significantly accelerated. Now about this and much more in more detail.
History of creation
The history of the MI-35M helicopter began in 1994, when the first prototype was created at the Mil Design Bureau. However, serial production was launched only in 2005. The main task of the designers was a deep modernization of the MI-24V/VP model to improve its flight performance, increase the level of unification of the MI family of helicopters and ensure the ability to carry out combat missions around the clock in any geographical conditions. During the production of the MI-35M, it was not only supplied to the Russian Air Force, but was also actively sold abroad, in particular to the following countries: Brazil, Azerbaijan, Venezuela and Iraq.
24/7 execution of tasks
In order for the helicopter to cope with its work around the clock, the following equipment was installed on it:
- Observation and sighting system model OPS-24N, which includes gyro-stabilized optical-electronic equipment GOES-324.
- Sighting and computing complex model PrVK-24.
- Navigation and display complex KNEI-24.
- Lighting equipment adapted to work with night vision goggles.
After installing these systems, the machine was able to:
- 24-hour detection and recognition of ground and surface targets.
- Guided missile guidance.
- Determining the distance to the target of attack.
- Accurate aiming when using mobile and stationary small arms and cannon weapons, as well as unguided missiles.
- Flight in semi-automatic mode along a predetermined route.
- Reducing the physical load of the crew while driving the vehicle and using weapons.
The internal and external lighting equipment of the MI-35M army attack helicopter was adapted for the use of night vision goggles by the pilot. These glasses allow you to recognize objects in illumination from 5x10 -4 lux. The wavelength range in which they operate is from 640 to 900 nm.
Thanks to night vision devices, pilots get the following capabilities:
- Piloting at an altitude of 50-200 meters with visual control of the underlying surface.
- Detection of enemy targets such as “power line mast”, “Armored vehicles”, “road” and so on.
- Takeoff, landing, flight and landing touching the ground on unequipped and unlit areas.
- Performing area surveillance and search and rescue operations at night.
Armament
The MI-35M helicopter is armed with a fixed nose mobile installation with a 2-barreled GSh-23L cannon.
In addition, depending on the weapon, it can be a carrier for the following types of weapons:
- Anti-tank guided missile of the Sturm-V or Ataka-M model. Up to 8 pieces can be installed on a helicopter. May have different warheads, depending on the type of target.
- Unguided rocket type S-8. Installed in the form of 2 or 4 B8V20-A blocks.
- Suspended cannon armament. Consists of a pair of UPK-23-250 type containers with GSh-23L guns.
Crew protection
The crew, which includes two pilots, is equipped with armored helmets and vests. The windshield and pilot seats also have armor protection. In addition, the sides of the cabin and engine hoods are protected by local plates.
Support system
To improve the flight, technical and aerodynamic characteristics of the MI-35M helicopter, a new load-bearing system was installed on it. It consists of an updated main rotor and blades attached to it, which are made of composite materials. The propeller differs from its predecessors in its new aerodynamic profile. As for the blades, they received less weight and an increased technical life. Their survivability against combat damage has been significantly increased. In addition, this helicopter used a new main rotor hub, which has elastomeric hinges that do not require lubrication. And the main parts of the bushing are made of titanium alloys.
The 4-bladed steering propeller has a two-tier X-shaped arrangement of blades, is equipped with a torsion bar suspension and is also made of composite materials. The number of lubrication points for its bushing has been reduced to a minimum.
Thanks to the helicopter's new load-bearing system, it received: a high level of maneuverability, low acoustic signature, and increased combat survivability. Composite rotor blades mounted on the MI-35M retain their functionality after being hit by artillery shells with a caliber of up to 30 mm. In addition, they are equipped with an electric anti-icing system.
Engine
The helicopter was equipped with modern VK-2500-02 engines, which are a further development of the TV3-117 line. These engines have increased parameters: power, altitude and service life. Thanks to this, the helicopter can be used effectively in high altitude conditions and elevated temperatures. In addition, if one of the motors breaks down, the power of the second will be enough for the helicopter to fly to the landing site and land safely. For this purpose, the corresponding engine operating modes are provided: “Emergency” and “Maximum”.
The motor turbine was built using modern heat-resistant materials. The disk of the 1st stage of the compressor has been strengthened. The motors are controlled by an electronic-mechanical system. By increasing the turbocharger speed, the pilot can safely increase the temperature of the gases.
Wing
The helicopter has a shortened wing on which a DBZ-UV beam holder is installed. It allows you to equip the vehicle with multi-place launchers APU-8/4/-U, used for mounting guided missiles. In addition, the wing of a shortened configuration increases the ability to equip the aircraft with various special cargo, thanks to the lifting mechanism installed in it.
Takeoff and landing equipment
Among other things, the MI-35M combat helicopter for round-the-clock use received new takeoff and landing equipment. It is designed to absorb loads during takeoff and landing, taxi the landed vehicle and change its ground clearance when parked. The helicopter also has a non-retractable landing gear, ensuring the safety of its flight at extremely low altitudes or if an emergency landing is necessary.
Versatility
In addition to combat purposes, the helicopter can be used as a cargo, landing or ambulance. In the landing version, it can accommodate 8 soldiers with personal weapons. The transport version of the helicopter allows you to transport cargo or ammunition weighing up to 1.5 tons. In addition, the presence of a reliable external suspension allows you to transport up to 2.4 tons of cargo outside the vehicle cabin. In the sanitary modification, the helicopter can transport 3 patients (2 bedridden and 1 seated) and one medical worker accompanying them.
Flight performance
So, let's get acquainted with the main parameters of the helicopter:
- Length - 17.5 m.
- Height - 4.16 m.
- The diameter of the main and tail rotors is 17.2 and 3.84 m, respectively.
- The weight of the empty vehicle is 8.36 tons.
- Normal weight 10.9 tons.
- Maximum weight - 11.5 tons.
- Engine power - 2200 hp. With.
- Number of motors - 2.
- Maximum speed: at low altitude - 300 km/h, cruising - 260 km/h.
- Static ceiling - 3.15 km.
- Dynamic ceiling - 5.1 km.
- Practical range: without PTB - 450 km; with PTB - 1000 km.
- Crew - 2 people.
Conclusion
The characteristics of the MI-35M helicopter, the description of which we have reviewed, fully justify the fact that it is often called the “Flying BMP (Infantry Fighting Vehicle).” It has strong armament, solid carrying capacity, sufficient maneuverability and speed, as well as the ability to work around the clock. Thus, the helicopter poses a serious threat to the enemy and can become a faithful assistant for soldiers whose state army is armed with it.
Mi-24 VM, which is a modification of the famous Soviet rotary-wing aircraft. Soviet pilots called it a “flying tank” by analogy with the Il-2 attack aircraft, famous during the Second World War. The unofficial nickname of the combat vehicle was “Crocodile” due to the standard helicopter camouflage scheme.
When did the predecessor of the Mi-35M appear?
In the early 1960s, it became clear to Soviet designer Mikhail Mil that the trend toward ever-increasing combat mobility would lead to the creation of flying infantry support combat vehicles that could be used to perform both combat and transport missions. The first prototype of the B-24 helicopter expressing this concept, developed under the leadership of Mil, was presented in 1966 in the experimental workshop of the Ministry of Aviation Industry. The concept for this product was based on another project, the B-22 utility helicopter, which had never flown independently. The B-24 had a central cargo compartment that could accommodate eight people sitting back to back, and small wings capable of carrying up to six missiles and located at the upper rear of the helicopter, as well as a twin-barreled cannon.
Deciding to start development
Mil proposed his design to the leaders of the Soviet armed forces. While she received the support of a number of military leaders, others felt that developing conventional weapons would be a better use of resources. Despite the opposition, Mil managed to convince the First Deputy Minister of Defense, Marshal Andrei Grechko, to convene experts to study this issue. Ultimately, Mil's proposal won out, and the Ministry of Defense's request to develop a helicopter for infantry support was issued. This is how the Mi-35M combat helicopter began its long development journey. The history of its development took place against the backdrop of the development and use of combat and attack helicopters by the US Army during The practice of their use convinced the Soviet leadership of the advantages of an armed helicopter and contributed to supporting the development of the Mi-24 project, which in our time has turned into the Mi-24 helicopter. 35M.
Development progress
At first, Mil Design Bureau engineers prepared two main design options: a 7-ton single-engine and a 10.5-ton twin-engine. On May 6, 1968, a directive was issued to begin developing the second option. The work continued under the leadership of Mil until his death in 1970. Design work began in August 1968. A full-scale model of the helicopter was reviewed and approved in February 1969. Flight testing of the prototype, which later became the Mi-35M helicopter, began on September 15, 1969 with the guidance system attached, and four days later the first free flight was carried out. Soon a second copy was built, and then a test batch of ten helicopters was produced.
Improvements based on military comments
Prototyping of the current Mi-35M - the Mi-24 helicopters - began in June 1970, continuing for 18 months. Changes made to the design were aimed at increasing structural strength, eliminating fatigue problems and reducing vibration levels. In addition, a negative 12-degree slope was introduced into the wings to eliminate the helicopter's tendency to yaw from side to side at speeds in excess of 200 km/h, and the Phalanga-M missile pylons were moved from the fuselage to the wingtips. The tail rotor was moved from the right to the left side of the tail, and the direction of rotation was reversed. A number of other design changes were made before production of the first version of the Mi-24A began in 1970. Having received confirmation of its performance in 1971, it was officially put into service a year later.
General design overview
It was mainly borrowed from the Mi-8 helicopter (NATO classification "Hip") with two overhead turbo engines, a five-bladed main rotor and a three-bladed tail rotor. The configuration of the engines gave the Mi-35M helicopter its characteristic air intakes on both sides of the fuselage. The original versions have a tandem cockpit layout: the gunner is placed in front, and the pilot sits above him and somewhat behind.
The Mi-24's fuselage was heavily armored and could withstand the impact of 12.7 mm bullets from all directions. The titanium blades are also resistant to 12.7mm ammunition. The cabin is protected by armored windshields and a titanium-reinforced tray. The pressurized flight deck is pressurized to protect the crew from radioactive contamination.
Flight characteristics
Considerable attention was paid to giving the Mi-24 the highest possible speed. The fuselage was streamlined and equipped with retractable landing gear to reduce drag. At high speed, the wings provide significant lift (up to a quarter of its total value). The main rotor is tilted 2.5° to the right of the fuselage to compensate for the tendency to skew when stationary. The landing gear is also tilted to the left, which tilts the entire Mi-35 attack helicopter in the same direction when it is on the ground. In this case, the main screw is in a horizontal plane. The tail is also asymmetrical, which creates a lateral force on it at speed, thus unloading the tail rotor.
Modifications to the main model
The first mass-produced helicopter since 1971 was the Mi-24A. It did not yet have a tandem cockpit, and its tail rotor was initially located on the right. Once the screw is moved to the left side, it remains there on all subsequent models.
The next helicopter that went into production in 1973 was the Mi-24D model. It features a tandem cab for the first time.
Since 1976, the Mi-24V model went into serial production, on which anti-tank missiles of the Sturm-V system appeared for the first time. Until 1986, only 4 of them were installed, and then their number increased to 16.
The pinnacle of the Soviet stage of development of the Mi-24 brand was the Mi-24 VP model, produced since 1989. In addition to anti-tank missiles, the Mi-24 VP was equipped with air-to-air missiles and Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles. Thus, it could hit both ground-based armored and air targets (helicopters, attack aircraft, drones). Its American counterpart, the AH-64A Apache, was significantly inferior to it in speed and combat capabilities. security.
Russian stage of brand modernization
With the collapse of the USSR, the development of the famous Milev family of attack helicopters was interrupted for more than 20 years. The Mi-24 VP model was produced in only 30 copies.
Finally, in the second half of 2000, the purely Russian Mi-24VM appeared. It has a non-retractable landing gear and can carry the following types of missiles: anti-tank air-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft missiles of the Igla-V type. To protect against ground-based MANPADS targeting thermal radiation, it is equipped with a protective infrared jamming system.
The Mi-24VM helicopter is exported under the designation Mi-35M. What does he look like? Photos of real combat vehicles cannot always convey all the design features. They are very clearly conveyed by the plastic model of the Mi-35M helicopter (1:72) “Zvezda”, widely distributed among Russian and foreign aviation enthusiasts and shown in the photo below.
Flight speed records on the Mi-24V
It was the most common model of this combat vehicle. The Mi-24V set several world records for flight speed and time to rise to a given altitude. The helicopter was modified to reduce its weight as much as possible - one of the modifications was the removal of the wing plugs.
Several official records in various categories for the Mi-24V were set by the female crew of Galina Rastorgueva and Lyudmila Polyanskaya in the 70s of the last century. So on July 16, 1975, they reached a speed of 341.32 km/h when flying in a straight line over a distance of 15/25 km, and on July 18, 1975, they set a speed record of 334.46 km/h when moving in a circle of 100 km . On August 1, 1975, when flying in a circle of 500 km, this value was 331.02 km/h, and on August 13, 1975, when moving without a payload along a closed trajectory 1000 km long, the helicopter accelerated to 332.65 km/h. These the records stand to this day.
Comparison with Western helicopters
What is different about the Mi-35M helicopter? Its characteristics combine the qualities of an armored fighting vehicle and it has no direct analogue in the armies of NATO countries. It is known that UH-1 ("Huey") helicopters were used during the Vietnam War either for the transport of troops or as combat vehicles, but they were not able to perform both of these tasks in parallel. Converting the UH-1 to a combat helicopter meant clearing out the entire passenger compartment for additional fuel and ammunition, and as a result, losing its ability to be used as a transport vehicle. The Mi-24 and all its subsequent modifications, including the Mi-35M, were designed to perform both tasks, and its capabilities were confirmed during the war in Afghanistan in 1980-1989.
Its closest Western equivalent was the Sikorsky S-67 Blackhawk, which used many of the same design principles and was built as a high-speed, highly maneuverable attack helicopter with limited transport capabilities and using many components from the earlier Sikorsky S-61 model. The S-67, however, was not accepted into service. The Mi-24 has been dubbed the world's only "attack helicopter" due to its combination of firepower and troop transport capabilities.