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 for 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.
Характеристики Ми-24:
- Длина фюзеляжа — 17,51 м
- Ширина фюзеляжа — 1,7м
- Размах крыла — 6,4 м
- Максимальная взлетная масса — 11 500 кг
- Грузоподъемность на внешней подвеске — 2400 кг
- Двигатели — 2 ТВ3-117В мощностью по 2500 л.с. каждый
- Крейсерская скорость — 250 км/ч
- Вооружение стрелково-пушечное: ГШ-23-2, ГШ-30К, ЯкБ-12,7
- Ракеты С-5, С-8, С-13, С-24
- Бомбы калибром до 500 кг
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