A batch of Russian Mi-35M helicopters (developed by the Mil Design Bureau and mass-produced at the Rostvertol plant) was transferred to the Air Force and Air Defense Forces of Belarus. The combat vehicle structurally resembles the Mi-24, but differs in armament, the latest electronics, and high-tech devices.
The Mi-35M was piloted by Belarusian pilots who had been trained at the training center of the Russian Armed Forces. They flew more than 2,000 km.
Strikes Tanks and IFVs from the Air in Any Conditions
The Mi-35M helicopter is capable of using a wider range of aviation weapons and performing combat missions in any weather conditions. It is designed to destroy tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, other armored vehicles, ground forces, transport cargo, and evacuate the wounded.
It is expected that after technical debugging, the rotorcraft will take up combat duty to protect the airspace of Belarus.
Technical characteristics of the Mi-35M helicopter:
- Crew — 3 people
- Passenger capacity — 8 paratroopers
- Load capacity — up to 1.5 tons
- Maximum take-off weight — 11.5 tons
- Powerplant — TVaD Klimov VK-2500-II
- Armament: small arms and cannon (twin-barreled GSh-23L cannon, 23 mm caliber)
- Ammunition — unguided S-8 or S-13 missiles, Shturm-V or Ataka-M anti-tank missiles
Earlier it was reported that the production of Baikal (LMS-901) and Ladoga aircraft may be established in Belarus.