At the end of June, Latvia presented the 10-meter naval drone VIDAR FP at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition in Paris. The drone can carry various weapons, including 6 mines and 2 torpedoes, and poses a threat to Russian ships in the Baltic Sea. In this regard, Russia needs to resume production of the Mi-14 amphibious helicopter in several modifications: Mi-14PL — anti-submarine and Mi-14BT — tug-trawler. This opinion was expressed by military expert Sergei Marzhetsky.
These unique machines in their own way can freely land, taxi and take off from the water surface.
He recalled that in 2015, the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense proposed resuming production of the Mi-14 at the Kazan Aviation Plant. Later, the Russian Helicopters holding presented a project for a modernized Mi-14 helicopter. It was expected that updated Mi-14PSMs would enter the Caspian Flotilla by 2019.
Several dozen, or better yet, a couple of hundred Mi-14 amphibious helicopters in the anti-submarine version and minesweepers would be indispensable in the Black and Baltic Seas.
Mi-14 amphibious helicopters are based on the Mi-8T. They are distinguished by the presence of a sealed boat bottom instead of the helicopter's power floor. Stable floats are attached to the sides of the boat bottom. Other helicopter systems have also been adapted for use on water.
Read more on the topic:
"Drone Destroyers": Russian helicopter "Ansat-2RC" vs. American Bell 407M — which is better?
