The Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has launched serial production of the upgraded Mi-35P attack helicopter at the Rostvertol plant. The first serial model completed its type-specific flight tests, receiving confirmation of the declared performance characteristics and implemented changes in its design. During the tests, taking place on the premises of Rostvertol and the National Helicopter Center Mil&Kamov, Mi-35P performed a number of flights using new weapons and onboard equipment. The tests resulted in finalisation of the helicopter’s design documentation, confirming the model’s readiness for mass production. Upgraded Mi-35P will be demonstrated at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2020.
“Mi-35P was created in cooperation with Rostec’s enterprises and combines the best qualities of the legendary Mi-24 family, hardened in air combat around the world, and the latest Russian achievements in the field of avionics. Last year, we demonstrated the aircraft to a number of potential customers, and today we can confidently say that the helicopter is in demand. We have launched serial production of Mi-35P under the first contract with a foreign customer”, said Andrey Boginsky, director general of Russian Helicopters.
The upgraded Mi-35P is equipped with an upgraded target sight system with 3rd generation long-wave matrix thermal imaging, a high-resolution colour TV camera and a laser rangefinder. The helicopter also comes with modern 3+ generation night vision goggles and a set of external and internal lighting equipment adapted for use with them. New digital flight control system improves the controllability and stability of the helicopter and provides automation of piloting processes to support the pilot. In addition, a modernised targeting and computing system will increase the accuracy of target engagement.
Mi-35P is armed with a mobile 23 mm twin-barrelled cannon and S-8 rockets, and can be refitted with suspended containers with 23 mm cannons, S-13 rockets, Ataka ATGM with a twinchannel control system, with Vikhr-1 or Vikhr-1M guided missiles. Improved performance in combination with the improved flight and navigation systems allow Mi-35P to fly at any time of the day in simple or moderately difficult weather conditions, both under visual and instrument flying rules, in diverse geographical conditions including over non-landmark terrain. At the same time, the helicopter retains its capability of using both guided and unguided weapons under all conditions. Mi-35P design provides the helicopter with improved combat survivability and reduces maintenance burden.
Upgraded Mi-171Sh at ARMY-2020 for the first time
The Russian Helicopters will present an upgraded Mi-171SH ‘Storm’ military transport helicopter at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY2020 for the first time. The helicopter, featuring enhanced protection and unique strike capabilities, was manufactured at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. The first flying prototype of the helicopter will be demonstrated at the forum. The presentation will also include the IBKV-17VP ‘glass cockpit’ avionics suite and model of the new target sight system.“ Upgraded Mi-171Sh provides superior level of protection for both the crew and transported troops, thanks to titanium and ‘kevlar armor’ protection, and the vehicle›s strike capabilities have been expanded to include guided missile weapons”, noted the director general of the Russian Helicopters, Andrey Boginsky. Mi-171SH is prepared for the most demanding combat and climatic conditions, which is why it is named ‘Storm’ for the foreign customers. The name symbolizes its readiness to fight the elements, and on the other hand speaks of the helicopter›s flexible assault capabilities.
Mi-171Sh ‘Storm’ is equipped with upgraded engines, new rotor system with an improved profile composite main rotor and X-shaped tail rotor, as well as the latest version of the President-S on-board aircraft defence system. The armouring effectively protects the crew and the most parts of the helicopter, as well as the troop compartment. Two sliding doors on the sides and a ramp enable ultra-fast troop deployment. In addition, the helicopter comes with improved armament, including 12.7 mm caliber machine guns and modern guided missile weapons with the OPS-24N-1L target sight system, which allows it to engage against various ground and air targets.
New high-speed rotor blades for combat helicopters
The Russian Helicopters presented new fully composite rotor blades designed to increase the maximum speed of Mi-28 and Mi-35 combat helicopters at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2020. The blade possesses modern aerodynamic characteristics and elastic composition; it is manufactured using the technology of one-stage compression moulding. It was tested as part of the flying laboratory of a new high-speed helicopter concept.
“During the testing, the flying laboratory based on a Mi-24 helicopter equipped with a set of new blades, reached a speed of more than 400 km/h without the need to change the base helicopter design. At the same time, we managed to maintain low vibration and load levels, which speaks of the high potential of this design,” noted the Director General of Russian Helicopters, Andrey Boginsky. The new rotor blades are currently undergoing factory flight tests on a Mi-28N helicopter.