Mi-24, Legendary Russian Attack Helicopter, Turns 40 This Year
(Source: Russian Helicopters JSC; issued March 20, 2013)
MOSCOW --- This year marks the 40th anniversary of production of the Mi-24, the first purpose-built Russian combat helicopter, at Rostov Helicopter Plant, today called Rosvertol, a Russian Helicopters company. The design of the Mi-24, a strike and transport helicopter was, was so successful that versions are still in use today: some 1,500 Mi-24s serve with the armed forces of 60 countries worldwide.
In 1978, helicopter test pilot and Hero of the Soviet Union Gurgen Karapetyan set a world helicopter flight speed record of 368.4kmh in an Mi-24. For Russian-made helicopters this record stands to this day.
The Mi-24 was used as the model for development of the Mi-35M, which entered production at Rosvertol in 2005. As well as having substantially superior flight capabilities and manoeuvrability to its predecessor, the Mi-35M can fly combat missions round the clock and in a range of geographies and climates such as high-temperature and high-altitude environments. The Mi-35M is in demand around the world, particularly in Russia and other CIS countries. A new market is South America, where countries have also begun incorporating this unique military machine into their fleets.
The Mi-35M is equipped with advanced high-precision weapons, and it can be used day and night to destroy armoured targets or to provide air support for ground operations. It can be configured as a strike, ground assault, medevac or transport helicopter, making it not only effective but also highly valuable, as it can replace a number of different rotorcraft.
A key advantage of the Mi-35M is its round-the-clock combat capability. It comes with advanced navigation equipment and multifunctional colour displays, surveillance and targeting systems that include thermal imaging and television channel, a laser range finder and a location finder. This not only reduces demands facing the crew, but also allows the helicopter's guided and unguided weapons to be used at any time. The helicopter is also able to take off and land in unprepared and poorly-equipped areas.
The multi-role Mi-35M, developed based on the illustrious Mi-24, is unique in its class. Russian Helicopters is rightfully proud of its accomplishment in developing this aircraft, which has become a touchstone for helicopter manufacturing worldwide.
Rosvertol, OJSC is a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters that produces widely used Mil-brand helicopters and also carries out repair and upgrade work and supplies technical equipment and services. Rosvertol currently mass-produces the Mi-28 Night Hunter (Mi-28NE in its export version); the new Mi-35M combat support helicopter; and the multi-role transport Mi-26T, the world's heaviest-lift helicopter.
Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of the Rostec State Corporation. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2011 its IFRS revenues increased 27.8% to RUB 103.9 billion. Deliveries reached 262 helicopters.
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