Mig 21 characteristics and comparison. Double training modifications
The Mi-24 helicopter was and remains an excellent combat helicopter. Its serial production lasted from 1970 to 1989, during which 2,570 Mi-24 helicopters were manufactured.
The development of a transport and combat helicopter based on the Mi-8 began at MMZ M.L. Mile in initiative order. In 1966, a model of such a helicopter was made. In the same year, the Ministry of Defense announced a competition in which the Mil Design Bureau and the N.I. Design Bureau took part. Kamova. The Kamov Design Bureau presented the Ka-25Sh helicopter, which was a modification of the ship's Ka-25, for the competition. The winner was the more promising B-24.
In 1968, the Air Force approved the tactical and technical requirements for the helicopter. The B-24 was supposed to use TV3-117 engines developed for the Mi-14, transmission and support system of the Mi-8. Options for single-engine and twin-engine helicopters were considered. The customer chose the latter. On May 6, 1968, a Decree was issued by the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR on the development of the V-24 with the Mi-14 power plant. The development was led by Deputy Chief Designer V.A. Kuznetsov. V.M. was appointed the lead designer of the helicopter. Olshanets. General management was carried out by M.L. himself. Mil (after his death M.N. Tishchenko).
From the USSR Ministry of Defense, the development of the helicopter was supervised by the Air Force Commander-in-Chief himself, Air Marshal twice Hero Soviet Union Pavel Semenovich Kutakhov. Detailed design began in June 1968. During the design process, much attention was paid to the combat survivability of the helicopter. It was planned to armor the side cabins and engine hoods, install armored glass in the front and armored backrests for the crew seats. When one engine failed, the second was automatically switched to takeoff mode. The composition of the weapons was initially similar to the Mi-4AV (K-4A complex), but later it included new types of weapons.
The requirements for the helicopter turned out to be too high that it was impossible to implement them in full within the given time frame. The management of the cost center, wanting to speed up the development process, decided to put the helicopter into production without approving the layout. State Commission a ready-made helicopter was presented. On September 19, 1969, test pilot G.V. Alferov lifted the B-24 off the ground for the first time. During testing of the prototype at the Air Force Research Institute and the Lipetsk TsBPiPLS, a number of shortcomings were identified. Some of them could not be eliminated, but at the Arsenyevsky Progress Machine-Building Plant the production of the first batch of helicopters had already begun, and the leadership of the Air Force and MAP made a compromise: the elimination of shortcomings was transferred to subsequent modifications. In June 1970, State tests of the serial Mi-24A began, which continued until the end of 1972. In 1973, a helicopter plant in Rostov-on-Don joined production (MAP order dated February 13, 1972).
From February to November 1974, State tests of the modified Mi-24D helicopter were carried out at the Air Force Research Institute, which ended with positive results. During the testing process, a wide range of figures and elements of combat maneuvering were tested: turn, turn, forced turn, hill, combat turn, turn and turn on a hill, dive, etc. In November 1975, tests of the Mi-24V with full complex weapons. On March 29, 1976, the Mi-24V and Mi-24D were put into service Soviet Army.
The Mi-24 is built according to the classic single-rotor design with a five-blade three-hinge main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor. The main rotor blades are shorter and wider than those of the Mi-8. The axis of the propeller shaft (and the entire power plant) is tilted to the left by 2.5°. The fuselage is semi-monocoque. To create additional lift in flight and partially unload the main rotor, a small wing with a negative transverse V (-12°) is installed. The wing consoles are two-spar, trapezoidal in plan. The landing gear is tricycle, with a nose strut, retractable into the fuselage. A tail support is installed to protect the tail rotor. Power point consists of 2 TVD TV3–117 (on Mi-24V - TV3–117V), APU AI-9V. Starting with the Mi-24D, the engine air intakes are equipped with dust protection devices. From engines to propeller shafts and auxiliary mechanisms power is transmitted through a three-stage main gearbox VR-24. The fuel supply is located in 5 soft fuel tanks. Provision is made for the installation of 2 additional metal tanks in the fuselage and the suspension of two or four 450 liter tanks under the wing.
The crew cabin and cargo compartment are sealed. The pilot and weapons operator's seats are located one behind the other in the cockpit. Starting with the SMi-24D, the crew cabins are separate, arranged in stages. In case of pilot failure, a second control set is installed in the navigator-operator's cabin. The flight engineer's position is in the cargo compartment. In the cargo compartment along the axis of the helicopter there are folding seats for separating paratroopers. Access to the cargo compartment is through double doors on both sides. The lower sashes are fixed in open position rods and serve as ladders. The windows can be torn inward to allow paratroopers to fire from their service weapons.
The composition of the weapons varied depending on the modification and included A-12.7 and YakB-12.7 machine guns; guns GSh-23 and GSh-2–30K; ATGM Phalanx, Assault and Attack; NURS S-5, S-8, S-13 and S-24; R-60 air-to-air missiles; free-falling bombs with a caliber of 50–500 kg, small cargo containers KMGU-2, overflow tanks, universal containers GUV-8700 and UPK-23–250. To protect against MANPADS, ASO-2V IR trap cassettes can be suspended under the tail boom and on the sides of the fuselage, and electronic devices can be installed on the engine exhaust pipes. Since 1982, the SOEP-V1A Lipa active jamming station has been installed.
The first production Mi-24A arrived at the Voronezh branch of the 4th TsBPiPLS at the end of 1970. In 1971, pilots of the 319th Red Banner Air Force began to master the new helicopter. V.I. Lenin, stationed near Ussuriysk. In 1961, the crews of this regiment operated in Vietnam, and in 1962–1964 in Cuba. Then 111 military personnel in Brody (PrikVO) rearmed with the Mi-24, after which the helicopters began to arrive in the regiments of other military districts. In 1980, army aviation was separated from the Soviet Army Air Force, the basis of which was one and a half dozen military aircraft. Reconnaissance modifications of the Mi-24 entered service individual squadrons combat control combined arms divisions. In 1973, the first Mi-24s entered the GSVG (172, 178, 439 airborne forces). After the scandalous landings of light aircraft by M. Rust in Moscow and G. Schneider in Batumi, several Mi-24 squadrons armed with R-60 missiles were included in the air defense. They have a number of successful interceptions of air hooligan aircraft. The helicopter was widely used during the war in Afghanistan and both Chechen wars, in many local conflicts both in the CIS (Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Tajikistan) and abroad. As part of the UN forces, Russian and Ukrainian Mi-24s took part in peacekeeping operations in Yugoslavia and Sierra Leone.
For the creation of the Mi-24, a group of workers at the Moscow Helicopter Plant, headed by M.N. Tishchenko, was awarded the Lenin Prize. In 1975 and 1978, the A-10 set 7 world records for payload and flight speed. In 1992, pilot G.V. Rastorgueva and navigator L. Polyanskaya, on a specially prepared Mi-24V, flew from Moscow to Miami (USA), dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America and the 50th anniversary of Lend-Lease.
Serial production continued until 1989. A total of 2,570 Mi-24 helicopters of all modifications were manufactured at two factories. Exported to Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Vietnam, East Germany, Zimbabwe, India, Iraq, Yemen, Kampuchea, North Korea, Cuba, Libya, Mexico, Mozambique, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland , Syria, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Czechoslovakia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Yugoslavia. Currently Russian Air Force have 855 helicopters of the Mi-24 family. 270 helicopters belong to Ukraine, 79 to Belarus, 15 to Azerbaijan, 7 to Armenia. 38 helicopters of the GDR army went to the Bundeswehr (later 20 were sold to Hungary and 18 to Poland), Czechoslovakian ones were divided between the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavian ones - between Serbia and Croatia. Ukraine sold some of its helicopters to Peru, Sri Lanka, and the UNITA group in Angola. 10 helicopters arrived in the USA via various routes, where they were tested in various research centers. Mi-24s captured in Chad were tested in France and then in the UK. Currently, the Mi-24A is on display in the Central Museum of the Armed Forces in Moscow, in the museums of the Lugansk ARZ and the SRV Army, the Mi-24V is in the museum 344 TsBPiPLS in Torzhok. Mi-24D was installed as a monument on the territory of 344 TsBPiPLS.
The Mi-24s in service with our army are currently undergoing a radical modernization. Instead of the standard metal main rotor blades of the Mi-24, the modernized version, called the Mi-24VM, is equipped with fiberglass ones, which are more resistant in combat conditions with improved aerodynamic characteristics. At the same time, the standard Mi-24 main rotor bushing is replaced with a lubrication-free elastomeric bushing, borrowed from the Mi-28N. Instead of a three-bladed tail rotor, a low-noise X-shaped one is installed. In accordance with unification with the Mi-28N. The booster part of the control (swashplate) is being finalized. As a result of these works, the weight was reduced by 300 kg and the static ceiling was increased by 600 m. At the same time, the rate of climb increases, operational characteristics and combat survivability are improved.
The entire landing gear extension and retraction system that existed on the Mi-24 is now dismantled, and the landing gear doors become stationary. At the same time, weight savings of more than 120 kg are achieved. Application of new beam holders missile weapons DB-ZU and multi-seat aircraft launchers (APU) made it possible to more compactly place the weapon on the wing, reducing its span. Moreover, DB-ZU significantly facilitated the operation of a helicopter in combat conditions, simplifying the suspension of missiles, without much physical effort. The command radio line was also simplified, once again reducing the weight of the helicopter. The overall weight reduction was 300 kg, as a result of which the rate of climb increased from 9.6 to 12.4 m/s. The static ceiling also increased by 300 meters.
The wing of the modernized helicopter also underwent modifications: its span was reduced to an external pylon. At the same time, the number of more advanced Ataka ATGMs installed on external pylons on two APU-8-4Us remained the same - sixteen. To increase the autonomy of the helicopter's combat use, it is proposed to install a weapons suspension system built into the wing.
The Mi-24VM is equipped with a fixed mobile installation NPPU-24 with a GSh-23 cannon (instead of the YaB-12.7 machine gun). Instead of two analog computers, the Mi-24VM is equipped with one BVK-24 digital complex, and for hitting air targets - the Igla V SUV weapons control system
Mi-24 are experimental vehicles. Cabin with “veranda”, armament: in the nose - a mobile machine gun mount NUV-1 with an A-12.7 machine gun (ammunition - 900 rounds), UB-32A NAR units with S-5 NURS and 4 9M17 ATGMs anti-tank complex"Phalanga-M". The tail rotor was located on the right.
Mi-24A (product 245) is a production version, the cabin has been lengthened compared to the prototypes, and the ATGM mount has been changed (on the underwing pylons). Produced in 1971-1973. About 250 built. On the first representatives of this series, the tail rotor was located on the right side. IN later versions Mi-24A tail rotor was moved to left side, and remained there for all subsequent modifications.
Mi-24B (product 241) - Mi-24A with a mobile USPU-24 machine gun mount with a YakB-12.7 machine gun. It was not mass-produced due to the entry into service of a more modern modification D, but was used for weapons testing. The helicopter was tested in 1971-1972.
Mi-24BMT (product 247) is a minesweeper based on the Mi-24A. All weapons, armor and wings have been removed. A trawl device and an additional fuel tank are installed. Built in a single copy in 1974, no longer produced.
Mi-24U (product 244) - training modification. It differs from the combat one in the absence of a bow machine gun, instead of which full-fledged flight and navigation equipment and standard control levers were installed in the front cockpit of the instructor pilot.
Mi-24D (product 246) - with a new cabin arrangement (tandem). The cabins are isolated. The weapon system is the same as on the Mi-24B. ATGM 9M17PV Phalanga-PV. Produced in 1973-1977. More than 600 vehicles were produced.
Mi-24DU (product 249) - training version of the Mi-24D with modifications similar to the Mi-24U.
Mi-25 is an export version of the Mi-24D. It differs in a slightly modified composition of the equipment.
Mi-24V (product 242) is the most popular version of the Mi-24, with a mobile USPU-24 machine gun mount with a YakB-12.7 machine gun. The Mi-24V helicopter with 4 9M114 Shturm-V ATGMs and the Raduga-Sh guidance system was put into service on March 29, 1976. In 1986, a modernized version with 16 Sturm-V ATGMs was put into service. Sight ASP-17V. Engines TV3-117V. The armament included B8V20-A units with S-8 NAR, B13L1 units with S-13 NAR and APU-68UM3 with heavy S-24B NAR. Produced in 1976-1986. About 1000 helicopters were built.
Mi-24VP (product 258) - Mi-24V with a GSh-23L cannon (460 rounds of ammunition) in a mobile NPPU-23 installation with new avionics and weapons. Eight-position APU-4 (unified with Mi-8MT) appeared on late-production helicopters for ATGM Ataka-V(thus, the total number of ATGMs was brought to 12, with two B8V20-A blocks with 20 80-mm NAR S-8 of various modifications in each block being retained on the internal underwing pylons). At the same time, the optional armament of the R-60M close combat RVV became mandatory. APU-60-1B, due to the compactness of the R-60 family of missiles, was mounted between the outer pylon and the tip, or, as on the APU-60-11, on which the second missile is located perpendicular, the APU-60-1 was installed with outside, perpendicular to the tip. Thus, in 1989, the Mi-24VP was the only helicopter capable of effective defense against fighters using highly maneuverable and anti-jamming missiles with a range of up to 14 km. To defeat subsonic and highly protected military units (helicopters and attack aircraft of potential enemies), the 9M220O RVV (air-to-air missile) with a range of 8 km and a proximity fuse was also introduced into the ATGM complex. To hit light and low-risk air targets - UAVs and reconnaissance helicopters - a semi-autonomous (but pilot-controlled) 72-mm Igla-S MANPADS with a range of up to 5200 m was suspended under the end control launchers for two Ataka ATGMs. Main feature The Mi-24VP avionics is an updated PnK along with new radio command guidance equipment for ATGMs, night vision goggles insensitive to NAR and ATGM tracks for the ONV-58V pilot, a new OEPS (infrared passive target locator) and Raduga-UN OPS. Produced since 1989. No more than 25-30 vehicles were produced (a number of sources indicate an untrue figure of 179 vehicles). The Mi-24VP was superior to its overseas competitor, the AH-64A “Apache”, in all respects - speed, security, air combat, round-the-clock use, as was its improved version when the latter was still being developed.
Mi-35 is an export version of the Mi-24V.
Mi-24P (product 243) - Mi-24 with a GSh-30K cannon located on the starboard side in a fixed NPU-30 installation, ammunition - 250 rounds. The machine gun has been dismantled. Produced in 1981-1989.
Mi-24PU1 - Ukrainian modernization of the Mi-24P. Installed modernized TVZ-117VMA-SBM1V-02 engines, an Adros KT-01AV optical-electronic countermeasures station, a BUR-4-1-07 flight information collection and recording system, a modernized aircraft rifle scope ASP-17VPM-V, laser system formation of an FPM-01kv sighting mark, GPS MAP-695 satellite navigation system, KY-196V ultra-short wave radio station, EBC-406AFNM emergency radio beacon, as well as a GTX-327 radar transponder with an AK-350 altitude sensor. Adopted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2012. In June 2014, the re-equipment of three Mi-24PU1 helicopters was completed in Ukraine; the cost of modernizing one helicopter was 3 million hryvnia.
Mi-35P - export version of the Mi-24P
Mi-35PM is a version of the Mi-35P with a new main and X-shaped tail rotor with blades made of composite materials.
Mi-24VK-2/PK-2 - modernization of the Mi-24 for export. New avionics, including the OPS-24N surveillance and sighting system with gyro-stabilized optical-electronic system GOES-342 and sighting and computing complex PrVK-24. There is also a navigation complex KNEI-24. It is worth adding, however, that the Mi-24VK/PK (Rostov modification) and the Mi-24VM/PM (Moscow modification) have serious differences in airframe and armament.
Mi-35VN/PN - export version of Mi-24VK-2/PK-2.
Mi-24VM - modernization of Mi-24V/P/VP. Fixed landing gear, propellers from the Mi-28A (X-shaped tail rotor), all-weather avionics, active IR jamming station SOEP Lipa, U-23 mobile unit with a GSh-23L cannon (as on the Mi-24VP), improved missile guidance equipment for ATGMs "Attack" - Thor-24. The Mi-24VM can also carry Malyutka, Shturm and Phalanga-M ATGMs. UR V-V R-60 and “Igla-V”. It was planned to complete the GSI in 2004. Supplied to Russian troops since 2011.
Mi-35M is an export version of the Mi-24VM (Mi-24PK2 were supplied to Venezuela under this modification). The landing gear is non-retractable.
Mi-24VK-1/2/1.2 (export, for India, Syria and Egypt), for the Russian Air Force AA - Mi-24VP-M, Mi-24VP-I, not only have a much superior OPS of the Mi-35M2, the main sighting system GOES-342, but also OEPS-27 is an identical passive infralocator with a radar rangefinder, which was installed on early Su-27s, detecting small-sized, low-emitting air targets up to 37 km in the ±30 sector at a heading, and ground targets of the “cold tank” class - from 14 km. According to the airframe, Rostov combat helicopters (both modernized and new) have an unshortened wing with 4 (instead of two) hardpoints, two of which are equipped with R-64V - fifth-generation close-in missiles adapted for helicopters, capable of shooting down an approaching one at transonic fighter on a collision course more than 20 km away, as well as 4 Sosna-V under APU-4 Ataka (for comparison, Igla MANPADS, which are equipped with the Mi-24VM, capture an approaching fighter from 2500-3200 m, and hypersonic missile defense system "Sosna" - up to 14 km. However, "Igla-S" is also included in the armament of the Mi-24VK and Mi-24VP-M).
Mi-24VP-M and Mi-24VP-I - modernization project for the Russian armed forces, supplies for army aviation The RF Armed Forces were planned since 2006, but these projects for the modernization of combat units and the supply of new vehicles were not completed.
Mi-24K (product 201) - reconnaissance spotter, with the Iris surveillance system, the Ruta digital reconnaissance and correction complex and the AFA-100 aerial camera for perspective shooting on the starboard side of the cabin.
Mi-24R (product 2462) is a chemical reconnaissance helicopter with a mobile USPU-24 machine gun mount with a YakB-12.7 machine gun, with an enhanced life support system. Launchers The ATGMs on the pylons were dismantled, and soil collection excavators (3 buckets each) were installed in their place. A suspended container with additional equipment is installed on the first holder, and a launcher for SHT missiles is installed on the tail boom. Two reconnaissance chemists were included in the crew. Participated in the liquidation of the Chernobyl accident (Assessment of the level of contamination of the area). 160 vehicles were built.
Mi-24RA - NBC reconnaissance helicopter based on the Mi-24R. More advanced equipment, the crew was reduced by one reconnaissance chemist.
Mi-24M (product 247) - anti-submarine variant. Development was stopped on the personal instructions of M. L. Mil.
Mi-24 Super Hind - a deep modernization of the Mi-24, carried out by the South African company ATE with the participation of Rostvertol JSC. New NATO standard communications equipment was installed, navigation equipment and weapons control systems were replaced, the main rotor was redesigned, and the alignment was changed.
Mi-24 Super Hind Mk.3 is a modification adopted for service in Algeria.
Mi-24 Super Hind Mk.4 - a modification with Barrier-V missiles, adopted by Azerbaijan under the designation Mi-24G in 2010.
Mi-24PN - modification for performing combat missions at night, TV/thermal imaging night sighting guidance subsystem. Supplied to Russian troops since 2003. 14 helicopters were delivered in 2004.
LTH
Mi-24 in three projections
Dimensions
- Main rotor diameter: 17.3 m
- Tail rotor diameter: 3.908 m
- Height with rotation screws: 5.47 m
- Fuselage length: 17.51 (17.23 on Mi-24VM) m
- Fuselage width: 1.7 m
- Fuselage height: 3.9 m
- Wingspan: 6.4 m
- Basic masses
- Empty: 7580 kg
- Normal take-off: 10,500 kg
- Maximum take-off 11,500 kg
- Maximum load capacity: 2400 kg
- Cargo weight on external sling: 2400 kg
- Internal fuel capacity: 2100 kg
- Fuel capacity in PTB: up to 3000 kg
- Power point
- Quantity, type, brand: 2 TV3-117 engines
- Power: 2 x 2200 l. With.
- Flight performance
- Crew: 2-3 people.
- Passengers: up to 8 paratroopers, 2 seriously wounded on stretchers and 2 lightly wounded and a paramedic.
- Cruising speed: 270 km/h
- Maximum speed in horizontal flight: 335 km/h
- Practical flight range: 450 km
- Ferry flight range: 1000 km
- Average fuel consumption: 780 l/hour
- Static ceiling: 1400 m
- Dynamic ceiling: 4950 m
- Maximum operational overload: −1.3/+3
- Allowable roll angle: 50 degrees.
- Allowable pitch angle: 30 degrees.
Combat use Mi-24 helicopter
Angolan Civil War (1975-2002; Angola);
Cambodian-Vietnamese conflict (1975-1989; Vietnam);
Ethiopian-Somali war (1977-1978; Cuba) - the first case of combat use;
Chadian-Libyan conflict (1978-1987; Libya);
Afghan war (1979-1989; USSR, Afghanistan);
Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988; Iraq) - during this conflict, the “Crocodile” also proved itself well in the role of air defense. During the war, the Iraqi side declared 53 air victories over Iranian helicopters and the loss of 6 of their vehicles in battles with Cobras. The ACIG website lists 17 aerial victories of the Mi-24 over helicopters, including 16 unconfirmed and 1 confirmed. In addition, an episode is described in which a Mi-24V helicopter hit a Phantom fighter during the Iran-Iraq War (independent researchers have expressed doubts about the reliability of this episode). Three Iraqi Mi-24s were shot down by Iranian fighters. Helicopter losses from ground fire are unknown;
Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009; Sri Lanka, India) - used by government forces. 9 helicopters were lost;
Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2002; Sudan);
Karabakh War (1988-1994; Armenia, Azerbaijan, USSR) - Mi-24s were used on both sides. One Armenian and six Azerbaijani Mi-24s were lost;
Armed conflict in Transnistria (1992; Russia);
Civil War in Sierra Leone (1991-2002; Sierra Leone);
Abkhazian War (1992-1993; Georgia) - October 5, 1992 Russian helicopter An Mi-24 shot down a Georgian Mi-24 with cannon fire;
First Chechen war(1994-1996; Russia) - even before Russia officially began fighting in Chechnya, on September 30, October 25 and November 25, “Crocodiles” carried out raids on airfields controlled by Grozny, destroying and damaging several planes and helicopters on the ground. On October 10, 1994, the Mi-24 attacked the troops of General Dudayev, and on November 23, together with the Su-25, attacked the Chechen tank regiment in Shali, destroying 21 tanks and 4 armored personnel carriers. At the end of December, a Russian Mi-24V shot down an An-12 aircraft with a missile called “R-63” on a catch-up course, which was transporting weapons from Azerbaijan (including 12 ATGMs and 8 MANPADS) for the Dudayevites, as well as a substantial shipment of dollars for independent Chechnya . On March 22, 1995, an operation was carried out during which Mi-24s at dusk struck a stronghold of Chechen militants and the area around it. 170 militias and 8 pieces of heavy equipment were destroyed - 4 tanks and 4 guns. As of July 1995, 7 helicopters were lost for various reasons;
War in Croatia (1992-1995; Croatia);
Ethiopian-Eritrean War (1998-2000; Ethiopia);
Second Chechen War (since 1999; Russia) - used armed forces Russia. During the first year of the war (by September 2000), 11 Mi-24s were lost, and by 2005 the number of losses of helicopters of this type increased to 23 aircraft.
Conflict in Macedonia (2001; Macedonia);
War in Afghanistan (since 2001; Poland);
Iraq War (2003-2010; Poland);
War in South Ossetia(2008; Russia, Georgia) - On August 11, 2008, a Russian Mi-24 helicopter destroyed two Georgian helicopters (Mi-14 and Mi-24) at the airfield in Senaki;
Civil war in Cote d'Ivoire (2011; Ukraine, consisting of peacekeeping forces UN);
Syrian Civil War (since 2011; Syria) - used by government forces. At least three helicopters were lost;
Armed conflict in Iraq (since 2011; Iraq) - used by government forces. In 2014, Iraqi militias shot down at least four Mi-24/35s with machine gun fire, light anti-aircraft guns and MANPADS;
Armed conflict in eastern Ukraine (2014; Ukraine) - 5 Mi-24s of the Ukrainian armed forces were shot down by MANPADS and heavy machine gun fire. Two are damaged;
Karabakh conflict (2014, Nagorno-Karabakh) - on November 12, 2014, Azerbaijani forces shot down an Armenian (according to another version - Nagorno-Karabakh) Mi-24 helicopter, killing three crew members.
Russian military operation in Syria - Mi-24s have been deployed by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria since September 30, 2015 as part of an aviation group to fight against the terrorist organization "Islamic State"
Main combat helicopter Russian army is the Mi-24, and, apparently, it will retain this status in the foreseeable future. The helicopter is an original combination of combat helicopter, designed to combat tanks and fire support for ground forces, and a transport helicopter capable of delivering fully equipped infantrymen to a given point.
Work on creating a helicopter began in 1960, and on September 15, 1969 the first flight took place prototype. At the beginning of 1970, even before the completion of state tests, the first helicopter serial modification The Mi-24A was put into serial production at the Arsenyevsky Mechanical Plant (detailed design was carried out in parallel with the preparation of serial production). Somewhat later, the construction of the Mi-24 in the “D” modification was started at the Rostov Helicopter Plant. Serial production was discontinued by 1992; in total, up to 2,300 vehicles of this type were manufactured. Currently, this enterprise, renamed OJSC Rostov Helicopter Plant Rostvertol, continues to produce export modifications of the Mi-25 and Mi-35.
The helicopter is designed using a single-rotor design and is equipped with a three-post wheeled landing gear retractable in flight. In the forward part of the fuselage there are pressurized cabins for the pilot and gunner-operator, and behind them there is an 8-seater cargo cabin.
One of design features The Mi-24 is characterized by the presence of a relatively large wing span (6.66 m), which develops in flight lift, equal to approximately 25% of the helicopter's mass. Under each of the wing consoles, two pylons are mounted for hanging weapons; the consoles end with vertical tips, which are also used to accommodate weapons. The power plant includes two TVZ-117 turboshaft gas turbine engines of various modifications, installed in a common fairing above the cargo compartment. To start engines on unequipped sites, an AI-9V auxiliary power unit is provided. To reduce the helicopter's visibility in the infrared frequency range and thus reduce the likelihood of it being hit by missiles with thermal homing heads, screen-exhaust devices are placed on the engine nozzles.
The helicopter has a five-blade main rotor. The three-blade tail rotor is located on the left on the end beam, made in the form of a swept-back vertical tail.
Due to the fact that the Mi-24 helicopter is designed for operations over the battlefield, when it was created special attention attention was paid to increasing its combat survivability. To achieve this, a set of measures was implemented, including armoring the flight deck and the most important units and systems, duplicating flight instruments in the cockpits of the pilot and gunner-operator, redundancy of a number of systems and the introduction of a fire-fighting system for filling fuel tanks with polyurethane foam.
In order to protect against missiles with thermal homing heads, ASO-2 containers equipped with 132 charges are installed on the helicopter fuselage - decoys. To reduce visual visibility, several camouflage options for the helicopter were developed.
The helicopter's flight and navigation equipment includes an autopilot, automatic radio systems, a radio altimeter, a Doppler speed and drift meter, automatic navigation tablets with a moving map of the combat area, as well as other equipment.
One of the most widely used modifications of the Mi-24D is armed with a four-barreled 12.7 mm YakB-12.7 machine gun on a ventral turret, a Phalanga-P ATGM and various external weapons.
The Mi-24V modification has new supersonic anti-tank missiles “Sturm-V” introduced into its armament, and a new automatic sight ASP-17V is installed in the pilot’s cockpit. It is possible to place suspended fuel tanks on the pylons. From 1976 to 1986, more than 1000 helicopters of this modification were produced.
The Mi-24P helicopter has powerful weapons. Instead of a suspended machine gun mount in the forward part of the fuselage, on the right side there is a fixed double-barreled GSh-ZOK air cannon with a caliber of 30 mm, from which the pilot fires using the ASP-17V sight. The gun's rate of fire is 300 and 3000 rounds/min. The helicopter was mass-produced from 1981 to 1991, 620 vehicles were produced.
The Mi-24VP helicopter is also armed with cannons. It is equipped with a ventral mount with a GSh-23 double-barreled cannon. Further development This modification became the Mi-24VM. It is distinguished by a modernized main and X-shaped tail rotor, the installation of a laser range finder, as well as closed radio communication equipment and a new command radio station with an extended frequency range. The helicopter is armed with a modernized complex anti-tank missiles and the Igla-V air-to-air guided weapon system.
They also produced a reconnaissance modification of the Mi-24R, Mi-24K - a helicopter for reconnaissance over the battlefield and adjusting the fire of their artillery, Mi-25 - an export version of the Mi-24D helicopter, Mi-35 - an export version of the Mi-24V helicopter, Mi-35P - export version of the Mi-24P helicopter, Mi-35M - export modification of the helicopter with radio-electronic equipment Western companies and new units and weapons systems developed for the Mi-28 combat helicopter.
In addition to the listed production models, the Mi-24PS patrol and rescue helicopter, the Mi-24M anti-submarine helicopter and the Mi-24BMT minesweeper helicopter were developed and tested.
There was also a record version of the A-10 helicopter, which was used in 1975 and 1978. Several world records were set, including an absolute speed record of 303.4 km/h over a distance of 15-25 km.
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3211The intense competition that exists between states in the field of military technology leads to the rapid obsolescence of military vehicles. Therefore, the period of maintenance of military aircraft in service is quite short.
First of all, this problem applies to fighters designed to counter the latest models enemy. But everywhere there are exceptions. The MiG-21 aircraft, a brilliant achievement of Soviet designers, was supplied to the aviation fleet of the USSR and other countries for more than a quarter of a century.
History of creation
It showed itself to be a formidable weapon in Korea, which greatly upset American pilots and the US leadership, dispelling the idea of the backwardness of Soviet aviation. In the current situation, the geopolitical enemy of the USSR urgently needed a vehicle that could surpass soviet planes.
In 1954, the world's first fighter, the speed of which exceeded sound speed by 2 times, the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, took off into the airspace.
The Russians' goal was to counter the Americans with an aircraft capable of intercepting high-speed bombers and destroying enemy attack aircraft.
In the early 60s, in accordance with the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, design bureaus began to work on the creation of a fundamentally new type of machine - a supersonic attack aircraft.
The design bureaus of A. Yakovlev, P. Sukhoi, A. Mikoyan and M. Gurevich were involved in the process; they all worked on separate projects.
Yakovlev presented the Yak-140 - a light fighter, distinguished by good thrust-to-weight ratio and great maneuverability in vertical and horizontal planes.
Having relied on maneuverability, the designers had to sacrifice speed. This decided the fate of the project: it was rejected.
The SU-7, developed by a group led by Sukhoi, was put into production and produced from 1957 to 1960. It had the following characteristics:
- Thrust-to-weight ratio max: 3900 kgf: 7370 kg = 058 (afterburner mode - 0.78);
- Wing load = 7370 kg: 23 sq.m. = 320 kg/sq.m;
- Maximum speed – 2170 km/s;
- Maximum height – 19100 m;
- Good maneuverability, which follows from the parameters of thrust-to-weight ratio and specific wing load.
But due to significant flaws in the design of the machines, they often failed. In 1957, in accordance with the directives of the management, the Su-7 began to be converted into a fighter-bomber - the Su-7B (product S-22).
However, the MiG-21 was chosen as the front-line fighter, which later became the most popular attack aircraft in the history of the country. It was easier to operate, more economical in terms of fuel consumption, and less noticeable in the air. Its takeoff and landing characteristics exceeded those of the Su-7.
Prototypes for MiG-21
The time for close maneuver battles was ending. The attack aircraft was designed to conduct combat attacks when aircraft approach each other at enormous speeds and hit the target with the first missile salvo. The supersonic aircraft of the opponents, Lockheed F-104 in America and Mirage 3C in France, were designed using the same principle.
From the beginning of 1957, A. Brunov was appointed chief designer, who should manage the entire work process (design, construction, testing, finishing of experimental machines).
- E-1 - the first fighter model from the MiG-21 family had a swept wing. A separate engine was developed for it, but did not meet the deadline;
- E-2 is the second prototype with the AM-9B engine from the MiG-19 and a swept wing. Maximum speed 1700 km/h. The E-2A with the new engine accelerated to 1900 km/h;
- E-4 - this model was created simultaneously with E-2. The wing shape is triangular. Engine AM-9B. The sophisticated design of the multi-mode air intake allowed the vehicle to reach a speed of 700 km/h more than the MiG-19. Although in both cases the same engine model was used. The rationality of using a delta wing with a sweep of 57° along the leading edge was also proven by flight results. Maximum performance speeds were 2000 km/h. In the course of further development, the vehicle was modified to version E-6. She reached speeds of up to Mach 2. The E-6 became the prototype of the production MiG-21.
MiG-21, design description
The aircraft is a single-seat mid-wing aircraft, equipped with one engine. Built according to a normal aerodynamic design, has a low-lying delta wing(sweep 57° along the leading edge), all-moving horizontal tail (keel and rudder) with high sweep.
The wings are equipped with ailerons and flaps. Aerodynamic ridges to increase the lateral stability of the aircraft at high angles of attack. The wing consists of 2 consoles with one spar. The consoles have 2 fuel tanks.
In total, the fuel system, depending on the version of the car, included 12–13 tanks.
Fuselage type: semi-monocoque, i.e. part of the loads is carried by the fuselage, the other part of the loads is distributed to the load-bearing elements of the frame - stringers and frames. All-metal construction made of aluminum and magnesium alloys.
The cross-sectional shape is elliptical. The engine is separated by a steel firewall at the rear. The air intake (a mechanical device that receives air to cool the engine and equipment) is located in the nose of the aircraft.
A movable cone-shaped device with a radio sight antenna was placed in the air intake; in addition to placing the antenna, the cone regulated the direction and strength of the air flow directed into the engine.
At subsonic and low supersonic flight speeds - up to M = 1.5, the cone was inside the air intake device. From M=1.5 to M=1.9 it occupied the middle position. When reaching values above Mach 1.9, the cone moved forward. The air channel bifurcated, surrounding the cockpit with the pilot, and then connected again.
Anti-surge doors are equipped on the sides of the fuselage in the nose of the fighter to prevent surge. The radio-electronic equipment was placed in front of the cabin, with a section of the landing gear underneath it. The chassis is three-post with a nose support.
The main supports are in the wing niche and fuselage. The brake system is pneumatic. The tail section of the aircraft is equipped with a compartment with a braking parachute.
The cockpit canopy has a teardrop shape with a small gargrot behind it.
It consists of a fixed visor and a folding part of the canopy; during ejection, the squibs tear off the hinges of the folding part, and the massive header of the chair knocks it out.
The cabin is sealed. The air enters it through a compressor, which compresses it, increasing the oxygen density to levels acceptable for breathing. The temperature control device maintains the set temperature regime.
The pressurized cabin was equipped with a liquid anti-icing system for washing the glass surface. The armor on the vehicle was impressive: frontal armored glass, front and rear armor plates made of steel to cover the pilot. The pilot's seat is equipped with an ejection system - KM-1M.
Aircraft versions were improved, and in parallel, work was carried out on power plants - turbojet engines. MiG-21F, MiG-21P, MiG-21U were equipped with the afterburning engine R-11F-300 (first name AM-11), which significantly improved the performance of the vehicles.
Thanks to the PURT-1F engine control system, it was possible to regulate engine operation with just one lever.
Modifications
From version to version, the designers, relying on the results achieved and the experience of the pilots gained during air battles in Vietnam, improved the tactical and technical characteristics of the fighters.
The design of the forward part of the fuselage, the canopy, the dimensions of the garrot, radio electronics, the combat arsenal, and power plants were subject to changes.
First generation
The first generation is represented by the MiG-21F and MiG-21F-13 fighters.
Version | MiG-21F (item 72) | MiG-21F-13 (product 74) |
---|---|---|
Years of manufacture | 1959–1960 | 1960–1965 |
Engine | Fuselage turbojet R-11F-300 | |
Engine characteristics | (1x3880/5740 kgf) | (1x3880/5740 kgf) |
Equipment: optical sight, radio rangefinder | ASP-SDN, SRD-5 | ASP-5ND, SRD-5M "Kvant", for reconnaissance purposes it was equipped with an AFA-39 photographic camera |
Armament | 2 HP-30 cannons (30 mm, amount of ammunition per installation - 60), 16 NAR* S-5M or S-5K with a caliber of 57 mm, NAR ARS-240 (240 mm) or 2 bombs 50–500 kg. | 1 gun for 30 warheads, TGS K-13, blocks with S-5M missiles (16 or 32 pieces each), two PU-12-40 launchers for firing S-24 missiles, bombs or ZB-360 incendiary tank |
Max speed indicators at altitude | 2125 km/h | 2499 km/h |
ceiling | 19000 m | 19000 m |
*NAR– uncontrollable aircraft rocket
Second generation
This generation is represented by a number of excellent combat vehicles.
MiG-21P (1960) - the first of the MiGs equipped with a radar and Lazur command guidance devices. The guns were dismantled, as history will show, in vain. External suspension - K-13 missiles. In return, the use of unguided bombs or NURS units was allowed.
The MiG-21PF (1961) (item 76), an upgraded version of the interceptor, was conceived as a lightweight all-weather aircraft. The power plant is represented by one engine, significantly strengthened compared to previous models.
Armament - S-5M or S-5K missiles and aerial bombs of caliber from 50 to 500 kg on an external sling. The MiG aircraft provided for the use of NUR missiles of the S-24 type, used by aviation to destroy enemy equipment and manpower.
MiG-21PFS (item 94) (1963) - a serial combat aircraft with improved takeoff and landing performance. Thanks to the modernized design, it became possible to operate aircraft from unpaved airfields, which, according to the instructions, had to meet fairly strict requirements.
Improved development has made it possible to reduce mileage and reduce landing speed.
It was possible to install accelerators to reduce the take-off distance.
MiG-21R (1965) - version designed for aerial reconnaissance. Under the fuselage in replaceable containers were placed technical equipment for day, night and radio-technical aerial reconnaissance: cameras for aerial photography, radio-technical and night-time devices, stations for jamming, intercepting and transmitting conversations in the VHF range. Devices were used for electronic warfare.
Third generation
The history of the creation of third-generation fighters is connected with the use of the new Sapphire-21 radar sight, which received the production number RP-22S. In terms of its technical parameters, the device far surpassed earlier models.
"Sapphire-21" made it possible to detect bomber-type targets at a distance of 30 km. The target tracking range was increased by 5 km, now it was 15 km.
The result of this technical breakthrough was an increase in the probability of a missile hitting a maneuvering target and the possibility of using missiles with a semi-active homing head.
Targets were illuminated, and the missiles automatically performed maneuvers. Fighter tactics have undergone significant changes.
Representatives of the 3rd generation:
MiG-21S (1965) - a machine with an increased fuel reserve and improved flight properties thanks to the new AP-155 autopilot system, which allows you to bring the aircraft into a horizontal position from any spatial position, stabilize the course, and automatically steer away from dangerous height.
MiG-21SN (1965) – front-line fighter, carrier of an atomic bomb.
MiG-21SM (1968) - an aircraft with improved take-off characteristics, an improved version of the MiG-21S. It differs from the latter in the engine model, which has more power.
The experience gained in Vietnam showed the need to equip combat aircraft with air cannons. Therefore, the fighter’s armament was supplemented with a double-barreled GSh-23L with 200 rounds of ammunition.
MiG-21SMT is an interceptor fighter, a modified version of the MiG-21SM. Distinctive qualities: increased fuel reserve, R13F-300 engine with an additional thrust boost mode (for example, the afterburner thrust increased at H=0, M=1.0 by 1900 kgf).
Installed missile and gun weapons: double-barreled GSh-23L for destroying ground and air targets, homing air-to-air missiles K-13 for attacking targets at long distances or missiles short range R-60, R-60M, tactical atomic bomb RN25.
Specifications
MiG-21bis (1972) - the last production version. This fourth-generation aircraft is recognized as the most advanced of all 21 MiGs. They were equipped with photo and electronic devices for reconnaissance purposes.
- Wing span – 7.5 m;
- Dimensions, L×H – 14.10×4.71 m;
- Vehicle weight – 5460 kg;
- Normal take-off weight – 8726 kg;
- Fuel weight – 2390 kg;
- Engine jet plane MiG-21bis - turbojet with R-25-300 afterburner with increased thrust force to 7100 kgf and high-altitude CR (1 pc.);
- Unforced thrust – 1×69.60 kN;
- forced – 1×97.10 kN;
- Max speed at altitude – 2175 km/h;
- Max ground speed – 1300 km/h;
- Range with outboard fuel tanks– 1470 km;
- Max climb rate – 13500 m/min;
- Max height real application– 17800 m;
- Max exp. overload – 8.5;
- Number of pilots – 1 person.
Technical equipment:
- Radar sight "Sapphire-21";
- Optical sight ASP-PFD-21;
- Automatic system control unit SVU-23ESN;
- Navigation and landing system RSBSN-5S.
- Double-barreled 23-mm cannon GSh-23L, b/c – 200 rounds;
- Short-range air-to-air guided missiles (up to 4) UR K-13M, RS-2US, R-ZS, R-ZR, R-60, R-6OM, NAR;
- Unguided and gliding bombs.
2013 cars of this latest modification were manufactured.
Combat use
For the first time in military operations, the MiG-21 fighter was used in the Vietnam conflict (1966). The American F-104 Starfighter and Phantom were inferior to the supersonic Soviet attack aircraft in their ability to maneuver, especially in close battles.
The first aircraft from the 21 MiG family were not equipped with guns. The significance of this omission became clear almost immediately after the first battles, so the attack aircraft were equipped with cannon weapons. After firing rockets, the pilots used cannon fire.
The appearance of 21 MiGs in the Vietnamese skies in 1966 was a turning point, and peace negotiations began 2 years later. Military technicians call the Phantom a decent machine, but the fact is that this heavy interceptor is designed to defend aircraft carriers from supersonic fighters.
In 1971, aircraft from the MiG-21 family were used in the armed confrontation between India and Pakistan: the Indian aviation forces had several modifications of the supersonic attack aircraft in service.
The opponents used the J-6 (Chinese version of the MiG-19), the French Dassault Mirage III, and the American F-104 Starfighter. Enemy losses in aircraft were twice that of India.
In the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1973, MiGs were opposed by Mirage III and F-4 Phantom II. The losses of Egypt and Syria were significantly lower than those of the Israeli side.
It is worth noting that Soviet attack aircraft were inferior to French aircraft in flight range, radar capabilities, and visibility, but were superior in maneuverability.
In Afghanistan, aircraft of the MiG-21bis, MiG-21UM, and MiG-21R versions were used in combat operations.
When the United States and France acquired 4th generation fighters that were superior to the MiG-21 in a number of respects, the MiG-21 lost its superiority.
In 1963, when working on the MiG-21PF, designers attempted to install titanium skis in addition to the wheeled chassis in order to reduce the load when landing on a dirt airfield.
Later, test pilots recalled how the attack aircraft “sped with the wind through the mud,” while the trucks got stuck.
MiGs on skis were never released, but the idea was useful for the Su-7BKL.
The MiG-21 had several nicknames: Balalaika for the shape of its wings, Vesyoly for its relatively small size, Dove of Peace (first versions) for having only 2 suspensions.
Israeli intelligence became interested in the MiG-21; they wanted to get the plane from the Iraqi Air Force through a bribed pilot. An operation called “Penicillin” was developed (1966).
But the first attempt failed; instead of an advanced attack aircraft, the traitor brought an outdated Yak. Therefore, another Iraqi pilot was recruited.
A suitable opportunity did not present itself immediately, since the Russians, having calculated the possibility of hijacking, did not fill the fuel tanks completely, but only for training flights. In August, when it was planned long flights, a traitor stole a car to Israel.
Perhaps, if not for these events, the situation in Israel’s war with the Arabs in 1967 would have been different...
Afterword
Latest modification The MiG-21bis was strikingly different from previous versions in better side. Combat equipment was increased in weight and arsenal. On the suspension, for example, it was possible to place up to 10 hundred-kilogram bombs, UB-32 and other weapons.
Thanks to the automatic sight, it was possible to fire at the enemy even under overload.
The MiG-21bis, being a fighter, gave a head start to fighter-bombers and did an excellent job of destroying ground targets. Even now they are in service in a number of countries legendary planes The MiG-21 is the characteristic that speaks better than all the others.
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