The Soviet Mi-24 attack helicopter developed by the Mil Design Bureau is a "flying killer" with impressive firepower and payload. However, the rotary-wing machine lacks maneuverability. This opinion was expressed by military expert Brandon J. Weichert in an article for The National Interest.
During the conflict in Afghanistan, the Mi-24 was used for reconnaissance, fire support of ground troops, and strikes against enemy positions. The Afghans called the helicopter "Chariot of Satan".
"Achilles' heel" of the Mi-24 — Stinger missiles
Soviet helicopters were most vulnerable while performing combat missions in valleys, when they were fired upon with American weapons.
In 1986, the CIA transferred FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS to the Afghans. Its self-guided missile targeted the Mi-24's exhaust pipe. According to some estimates, the USSR lost about 300 helicopters in this conflict, including the Mi-24.
Mi-24 characteristics:
- Fuselage length — 17.51 m
- Fuselage width — 1.7 m
- Wingspan — 6.4 m
- Maximum take-off weight — 11,500 kg
- Payload on external sling — 2,400 kg
- Engines — 2 TV3-117V with a capacity of 2,500 hp each
- Cruising speed — 250 km/h
- Armament: GSh-23-2, GSh-30K, YakB-12.7
- Missiles: S-5, S-8, S-13, S-24
- Bombs with a caliber of up to 500 kg
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