The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are armed with the Mi-35M attack helicopter. The capabilities of the rotorcraft allow it to transport personnel with weapons, as well as cargo both inside the cabin and on an external sling. The Mi-35M is the only machine in the world with such a wide functionality, the Rostec State Corporation said.
The Mi-35M is the most versatile combat attack helicopter among the existing production vehicles in the world. It has excellent firepower and can use high-precision weapons around the clock and efficiently.
The helicopter is protected by armor, including from small-caliber artillery shells, which makes it one of the most survivable machines of its class. Due to the combined characteristics of armor, speed and firepower, pilots call the Mi-35 a flying infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
The state corporation added that, unlike other attack helicopters, the Mi-35M can transport a landing party of eight soldiers and evacuate the wounded.
From its predecessor, the Mi-24, the Mi-35M helicopter inherited a characteristic functional and austere appearance, for which it is rightfully considered the most brutal helicopter in the history of this class of aircraft.
The combat vehicle is equipped with a modern navigation and electronic display system, a sighting system with thermal imaging and television channels, a laser rangefinder and a direction finder.
The Mi-35M is capable of flying at altitudes of 10–25 m during the day and at least 50 m at night, reaching the target. In flight, the helicopter simultaneously detects targets and can immediately strike them.
Main characteristics of the Mi-35 helicopter:
- Maximum take-off weight — 11,500 kg
- Maximum weight on external sling — 2,400 kg
- Maximum load weight in the cargo cabin — 1,500 kg
- Maximum speed — 305 km/h
- Dynamic ceiling — 5,400 m
- Number of paratroopers transported — 7 people
Earlier www1.ru reported that MiG-29KUB carrier-based fighters flew in the Arctic.
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