Transport and combat helicopter Mil Mi-24D and its modifications

The Mi-24 attack helicopter became the first specialized attack vehicle of this type developed in the Soviet Union. And in the world, it lost primacy only to the American AH-1 Cobra helicopter. Designed at the Mil Design Bureau at the turn of the 60-70s of the last century, it is still in service with the army aviation of many countries.

Possessing enormous modernization potential, the helicopter does not lose combat effectiveness and is not inferior to modern competitors in its main parameters. And it was this machine that entered the mass consciousness as a collective image of a Soviet attack helicopter.

History of creation and design of the “crocodile”

The experienced Mi-1MU, armed with Malyutka anti-tank missiles, can be considered the first domestic combat helicopter. This vehicle did not go into production, but the next model, the transport and combat Mi-4AV, was put into service and used in front-line aviation. And in 1967, the USSR Ministry of Defense announced a competition for the creation of a new attack helicopter, in which the Moscow and Ukhtomsk factories took part.

The Kamov Design Bureau project was a variant of the Ka-25 anti-submarine vehicle. Mil Design Bureau proposed the B-24 project. This helicopter, equipped with two powerful TVZ-117 engines, significantly surpassed the Ka-25 in maximum speed, while not inferior in combat load. The armament of both projects included the GSh-23 cannon, unguided missiles and the Phalanx ATGM. During the competition, it was proposed to change the weapons: anti-tank missiles to more advanced ones, and the cannon to a heavy machine gun.

In May 1968, Mil Design Bureau began full-scale development of the B-24, and already in 1969 the first prototype was ready. Trial operation of the machines began in 1971. The Mi-24 was created within the framework of a concept that can be called a “flying infantry fighting vehicle.” Typically, helicopters delivering infantry to the battlefield (for example, the American UH-1) carried only defensive weapons, and their assault variants could no longer carry troops.

Specialized attack helicopters like the AH-1 could not be used as transports at all.

The Mi-24, on the contrary, possessing powerful small arms and cannon missiles, also had a small landing cabin designed for eight people.

The “twenty-four” was built according to the classic single-rotor design. The helicopter has two turboshaft engines and an auxiliary power unit with a starter-generator. The engines transmit torque to the main rotor through a three-stage main gearbox, and to the steering rotor through an intermediate transmission with a tail gearbox. The main rotor is five-blade, rotating clockwise.

The tail rotor is three-blade, with mechanical pitch change. Five fuel tanks with a total volume of 2130 liters are located near the center of mass, under the floor and behind the troop compartment. An additional tank with a capacity of 450 liters can be hung under the wings.

The crew cabins and troop compartment are sealed and equipped with air conditioning. The cockpit and pilot's seat are protected by armor made of steel plates, and the windshields are armored. The cargo compartment has four windows, access is through double doors on the right and left sides. The landing gear is retractable, tricycle. The helicopter is equipped with three hydraulic systems - main, auxiliary and emergency. The fluid is supplied by pumps located on the engines.

Good day, my friends!

Dmitry Ignatichev is in touch with you again - your guide in the world of large-scale modeling.

The history of the Russian/Soviet aviation industry, like the history of aviation in general, is eventful. And cars that have become legends . The Mi-24 helicopter, developed in the late 60s, became just such a legend. It was the result of hard and persistent work to create a fundamentally new aircraft - a flying infantry fighting vehicle. It became the starting point for further research and breakthroughs in aviation science. It was on its basis that further combat helicopters were created. Both Mi-28 and Ka-50. Although the Black Shark is built according to a fundamentally different design and layout. It was the Mi-24 that fully endured all the hardships and deprivations of military service. Participated in dozens of regional conflicts. Passed through the crucible of the Afghan war. And he came out victorious.

BECAME OUR LEGEND DURING HIS LIFETIME

After all, he is still in service. It is his model that we will talk about today. Well, first, a brief historical background.

Predatory handsome Mi-24 V Crocodile

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Mi-24 (according to NATO classification English: Hind - Hind) is a Soviet/Russian transport and combat helicopter developed by the M. L. Mil Design Bureau. It became the first Soviet and second in the world (after the AH-1 Cobra) specialized combat helicopter. Serial production began in 1971. It has many modifications and has been exported to many countries around the world. It was actively used during the Afghan war, during the fighting in Chechnya, as well as in many regional conflicts. Produced at OJSC Rostvertol (formerly RVPO). The unofficial name is “Crocodile”. Helicopters of early production were also called “Glass” - because of the flat glass of the pilot’s cockpits, evoking associations with the edges of a faceted glass. The development of the project for the “240” (B-24) product began after the release of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and the Central Committee of the CPSU on May 6, 1968 at the Mil Design Bureau. The prototypes (OP-1 and OP-2) were ready within a year. A significant part of the components and assemblies were unified with the Mi-8 and Mi-14. The experimental helicopter had a common front double cabin (the so-called “veranda”) with dual controls. The crew consisted of a pilot and an operator. Later, a flight mechanic was added to the crew. In the middle part of the helicopter there was a cargo compartment that could accommodate up to 8 landing personnel. On the right and left sides of the cargo compartment there were double doors, with upper and lower leaves. The opening windows were equipped with pivot mountings for firing during flight from personal weapons. Both cabins are pressurized, supercharged from the engines. From the very beginning, the crew's equipment included specialized flight helmets and body armor. The cabin armor is represented by frontal armored glass, armored crew seats, local armor plates on the sides of the cabin and on the engine hoods. Due to the unavailability of the Sturm weapons complex, it was decided to install on the first machines the K4V complex of the Mi-4 helicopter - Phalanga-M missiles with a manual guidance system and a NUV-1 machine gun mount with an A-12.7 machine gun, four beam holders under NUR or free-falling bombs. Factory tests began on September 15, 1969 (test pilot G.V. Alferov). Construction of a pilot series of ten helicopters began immediately. At the end of 1970, the two machines were modified - to improve stability at speeds of more than 200 km/h, a wing with a negative V−12 degrees and an extended cabin were installed on the helicopter. The first production Mi-24A helicopters (product “245”), made in this form and equipped with the Phalanga-M complex, entered the troops for trial operation. Mi-24A were built by a plant in the city of Arsenyev. Almost 250 vehicles were manufactured, which entered service with the emerging structures of army aviation, in separate helicopter regiments of the SA of combined arms armies and air assault brigades. On the basis of the Mi-24A, a training modification of the Mi-24U (ed. “244”) with full dual control was developed. The Mi-24B (ed. “241″) received a new USPU-24 machine gun mount with a YakB-12.7 machine gun (4500 rpm), and a Phalanga-P missile system. But the development of the helicopter was suspended and fundamental changes were made - the cabin was converted into a tandem one, the tail rotor with gearbox was installed from the Mi-14 - the propeller changed from a pusher to a puller, which dramatically increased the efficiency of directional control. The helicopter was named “Mi-24V”, or product “242”. But due to the lack of development of the Sturm complex, helicopters with a new cabin had to be equipped like the Mi-24B, and this “intermediate version” went into production under the designation Mi-24D (product “246”). They decided not to use the letter “G” just in case... It took 8 years to fine-tune the Mi-24V. In 1976, the helicopter was officially put into service and was built in the most massive series.

Thus, by 1973, the appearance of the helicopter, widely known throughout the world, had developed.

Mi-24V (product 242) is the most popular version of the Mi-24, with a mobile USPU-24 machine gun mount with a YakB-12.7 machine gun. The Mi-24V helicopter with 4 9M114 Shturm-V ATGMs and the Raduga-Sh guidance system was put into service on March 29, 1976[4]. In 1986, a modernized version with 16 Sturm-V ATGMs was put into service. Sight ASP-17V. Engines TV3-117V. The armament included B8V20-A units with S-8 NAR, B13L1 units with S-13 NAR and APU-68UM3 with heavy S-24B NAR. Produced in 1976-1986. About 1000 helicopters were built.

Material taken from Wikipedia

A pair of Mi-24V patrolling over the desert

Every RUSSIAN aviation modeller is simply obliged to have a scale model of this helicopter in his collection. But oddly enough, for a long time there was a gaping failure in this matter. And not that. so that there are no models of this helicopter. Of course they were. But these were models from foreign manufacturers. Yes, they were on different scales. And 1/72, and 1/48, and even 1/32. This option was created by the Chinese industry monster - Trumpeter. But they all suffered from low copy numbers. Especially in terms of making the rounded parts of the cockpit canopy. But what is more important for me is that they were not Russian models.

But then 2010 came. And the Zvezda company releases its Mi-24 V/VP “Crocodile” kit. By this time, the Lobninsk manufacturer began to slowly climb out of the deep hole of repackaging castings from other manufacturers and producing their own, still low-quality, large-scale models. This box is a product of a qualitatively different level. A level truly worthy of representing our country on the world stage.

Everything makes me happy. And the highest quality computer modeling of the layout. This made it possible to create a model of a very high level of detail. And copyability in relation to the prototype. And precision casting of parts. No flash. With a level of connectivity that pleasantly surprised me. The test assembly of the model only confirmed expectations. The transparent details also did not disappoint. Decals have become more varied. Quite sufficient for building a model in 72nd scale. No additional purchase required from a third party manufacturer. Only particularly fastidious modeling masters will not like it.

And, of course, I was extremely pleased with the instructions. We have moved from the figurative drawings of the 90s to normal volume-scale modeling. Everything is clear, clear, understandable.

In general, there is a complete feeling that you are holding in your hands not a Russian model, but a Japanese one. Like Tamiya. This fact greatly improves my mood.

Box model Mi-24 V/VP from Zvezda 1/72

DO I INTEREST YOU?

THEN FORWARD TO A DETAILED REVIEW OF THE BOX WITH MI-24 V/VP “CROCODILE”

So, we finally got our hands on the coveted model. More precisely, just a box with it. And what do we see?

The box itself is made of thick cardboard according to the Euro standard. Accurate and reliable performance. Protects model parts from damage during transportation and long-term storage. All items are carefully packed. The decal and transparent glazing parts are stored separately in a plastic bag. The instructions are on top of the parts.

This Mi-24 V/VP is awarded

The box cover is made in the classic “Zvezdovsky” style. He is quite recognizable. After all, it can be found not only in specialized stores, but even in any bookstore in our country.

NOTE

The packaging notifies us of 2 important details:

1) The model was developed under license from OJSC Moscow Helicopter Plant named after. M.L. Mile." This means that when developing the computer model, factory documentation was used - drawings of all units and components of the helicopter.

2) The model has been awarded prestigious awards from Russian and foreign modeling communities. This means that the model is of a truly high level of performance. EVERYONE AGREES WITH THIS.

End of the Mi-24 V/VP box

The left and right ends of the box are arranged information about the model in Russian and English. It is used to inform buyers when storing models in stacks - one box on top of another. I'm glad that there are inscriptions in English. This means that our products are exported abroad. And we have something to show at the Nuremberg exhibition in Germany.

Photo of the Mi-24 V/VP model

At the top end of the box there are photographs of a model of this helicopter, made in the “test assembly” format. Looking at them, we can safely rejoice - the quality of the elaboration of the nodes is simply amazing. Especially for the Russian model. We can already understand that the car can be assembled in several versions. Both in flight and during work in the parking lot. Those. turbines and engine are available for viewing.

1st sprue of the model

Inside the box there are 5 sprues with parts waiting for us. The total number of parts is an unprecedented amount - 270 pieces . This amount would be more than enough for a model on a larger scale. For example 1/48.

2nd sprue of Mi-24 model

The plastic itself is gray. Just a little rough. At first glance it can be mistaken for glossy. But that would be bad. Paint adheres much worse to this type of coating. This problem occurred on the Varyag cruiser model. Apparently the manufacturer took this shortcoming into account and corrected it.

3rd sprue of Mi-24 model

The casting quality, I must say right away, is very high . All parts are of good thickness. Neither thick nor thin. In moderation. The geometry is respected. The jointing also did not disappoint. Thin and neat.

IMPORTANT

There is a lot of jointing. Exactly where it is needed. Which is surprising for this scale. It would be enough for a 1/48 scale model. I remember that I was holding in my hands a model of the Mi-24 from some Chinese manufacturer in 48th scale. So at least ride a horse there. Fill everything with soil. There's nothing left to waste anyway.

4th sprue of Mi-24 model

Obloy is missing as a class. Marks from the pushers are only on the inside, or where they will not be visible after assembly. In general, when you hold the sprues of this model in your hands, you get the feeling of jewelry work. Everything is so carefully and precisely worked out. I can’t even believe that this is our “Star” from Lobnya. No comparison with older models. Although, in truth, most were repackages of earlier models from other manufacturers.

5th sprue of Mi-24 model

I'm lying... I already got the same feeling from a model from this manufacturer. It was the cruiser "Varyag". There was excellent casting there too. Although he had problems with copying. How many copies were broken then regarding the location of the windows and other things... But the quality of workmanship was excellent...

AND NOW IT’S LIKE THIS ON THE 1/72 HELICOPTER MODEL

Package with additional parts

I would like to say a special word about the original decal included in the box. Compared to previous decals for models from Zvezda, these are simply a luxury. A large amount of technical equipment was applied. Decals are also used for the instrument panels in the cockpit. Printing is accurate. No shifts in paint layers. Many elements are very miniature - you will have to work very carefully. An excellent opportunity to practice skills and grow in skill.

Decal for Mi-24 V/VP from Zvezda

And, of course, transparent parts of the cabin glazing. According to many experts, this performance is closest to natural. And I agree with them. The casting is really accurate. High degree of connectivity. The main thing is to work accurately and without haste. The windows of the landing compartment are also presented with transparent parts.

Transparent parts of Mi-24 V/VP

A special pride of this Mi-24 V/VP model is the MULTIPAGE INSTRUCTIONS . It is made in the form of a book. Nice print. Excellent computer layout.

Front page - general information

1st spread

Presents us with possible options for assembling the machine. Flight and parking options. Separately, the application of technical inscriptions is made. Both on the body of the vehicle and in the weapons. Next comes an equally detailed paint scheme.

Assembly instructions

The paint scheme includes 3 options:

1) Jalalabad, Afghanistan Spring, 1982.

2) Bagram, Afghanistan December, 1988.

3) Aviation of the Baltic Fleet, Kaliningrad region, 2001.

The selection of colors, as usual, is based on Zvezda and Humbrol .

Paint schemes for Mi-24 V/VP

Next comes page-by-page assembly instructions. Finally it looks like a normal drawing. It’s not a shame to show one like this at a military missile factory. Element by element. Details. Exactly. No drawing was applied as before. And modeling in drawing programs. To be honest, I used to spit at Zvezdov’s drawings. It was done for the sake of an excuse. Like, the kit comes with instructions. Now the approach has changed. It is high time. Although, as an entrepreneur, I know how difficult it is to reach a new, qualitatively different level of design and production. In an eternal lack of money and resources.

Assembly options for MI-24 V/VP

I think that working according to such a drawing will not be difficult even for a beginner in modeling. Well, precisely in terms of understanding the work. Although if you don’t rush, then there won’t be anything difficult in terms of assembling the model itself. Exactly step by step. Slowly .

Excellent quality instructions

ENLARGE PHOTOS. EVALUATE THE QUALITY OF THE MODEL.

Good 3D modeling

It feels like I’m writing a custom advertising article :)).

But no. Nobody ordered this for me.

I AM SINGING AN ODE OF PRAISE FOR THIS MODEL :))

And all because such a model helps me be proud of my country. Previously, when collecting models from Zvezda, we all secretly cherished the hope that our domestic manufacturer would also grow. He will make models without care. And honestly. After all, each of us is ready to support our manufacturer.

IT WOULD BE FOR WHAT!!!

And now there’s a reason! For the Mi-24 V/VP “Crocodile” in 72nd scale.

Placement of technical inscriptions

Now we have something to be proud of! And we must do it! Without hiding - without hiding!

Friends, Mi-24 is our story. Whatever it is. Together with the Afghan and Chechen wars. You can't remove the words from the song. This is our story. We must remember it. We must understand it. Must love her.

WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF HER!

So let's create OUR helicopters. Let it be Afghanistan. Or Chechnya. We will put them on our shelves. Give to friends. Tell everyone around us about our victories. About our legends.

A MI-24 V/VP FROM STAR 1/72 OUR FIRST ASSISTANT AND FRIEND

Good luck to you, my dear colleagues! And wonderful models to you!

Description of the main modifications

The first production modification of the helicopter was the Mi-24A, armed with an A-12.7A machine gun, Phalanga-MV ATGM and S-5 NAR units. This helicopter was nicknamed “Glass” for the characteristic appearance of the cockpit - this name remained unique to the early Mi-24. But the nickname “Crocodile” subsequently passed on to all variants of the helicopter.

Already in 1971, it began testing the Mi-24B with improved weapons.

The machine gun was replaced with the YakB-12.7 - a weapon with a rotating block of barrels (the so-called Gatling system), with a rate of fire of up to 4500 rounds per minute. We introduced a new model of Phalanx missiles, equipped with semi-automatic guidance.

But the work was quickly stopped - the experience of operating helicopters proved that the design of the cabin was unsuccessful, and the visibility from the crew seats was poor. So in 1972 the Mi-24V appeared with a completely redesigned nose section which contained a new tandem cabin. However, the development of new Shturm ATGMs was delayed, and this led to the emergence of a transitional model - the Mi-24D, in which the new cockpit was combined with the weapon system from the Mi-24B.

In 1975, tests of the Mi-24V with new, supersonic Sturm anti-tank missiles were completed. On the same modification, to increase efficiency, the tail rotor was modified by moving it from the starboard side to the left. The drive uses a gearbox from the Mi-14, the propeller has become a pulling propeller, which improves flight stability and increases control efficiency.

The first “cannon” version of the Mi-24P went into mass production in 1981. It was armed with a fixed-mounted GSh-2-30K 30 mm caliber gun. The experience of using such a helicopter showed the insufficient effectiveness of a fixed cannon, and a mobile installation with a 23-mm GSh-23L cannon appeared on the Mi-24VP modification.

There was a variant of the Mi-24 for use as a spotter - the Mi-24K.

It was equipped with an aerial camera and a digital correction complex. The Mi-24R modification was intended for reconnaissance in contaminated areas and was equipped with a life support system, analysis equipment, and missile weapons were replaced by remotely controlled excavators for taking soil samples. Such machines were used during the Chernobyl disaster.

The Mi-24VM first took off in 1999. This helicopter was equipped with a fiberglass main rotor, a four-bladed tail rotor, and Ataka guided missiles. The landing gear was made non-retractable, because the retractable one did not provide any noticeable advantage. The ATE company from South Africa proposed its own helicopter modernization program.

Known as “Superhind” (Hind is what the Mi-24 is called in NATO countries), these vehicles have a lightweight design, enhanced armor protection, and can use weapons that meet NATO standards.

Mi helicopter 24 photos

The Mi 24 helicopter has been the basis of Soviet and now Russian army aviation for more than three decades. The picture is the same for our former and current friends, in most countries of Eastern Europe, former Soviet republics, plus Africa and Asia. In place with weapons, they adopted our concept of warfare.

Mi-24 helicopter in service with the Hungarian Air Force

In 1968, the USSR government issued a decree on the start of work on the creation of an attack helicopter. At that time, the United States was creating specialized rotorcraft for military purposes, attack or landing. In the USSR, they decided to make the new combat vehicle universal. Taking into account the experience of designing the Mi-8 helicopter, in June 1968, Mil Design Bureau began developing the B-24 combat helicopter with two gas turbine engines. The most suitable engine for it turned out to be the TVZ-117 turboshaft with a take-off power of 2200 hp.

But this is what it was, the famous Mi 24, the first flight took place on September 19, 1969, created at the M.L. Mil Design Bureau

The vehicle was supposed to have a crew consisting of a pilot and a gunner-operator of weapons systems. A prerequisite was the ability to take on board a landing force of eight people. Instead, the helicopter, if necessary, could transport the wounded and various cargo in the landing cabin. Of the two options presented, the military chose a vehicle with a take-off weight of 10,500 kg.

photo of the Mi 24 helicopter firing, an attack helicopter complex equipped with modern high-precision weapons for round-the-clock use

The Mi 24 photo , in the NATO system has the designation Hind - “ Doe ”, at the moment it is the only helicopter that combines a transport and attack vehicle. It is noteworthy that no one in the world has ever repeated this scheme, and not because they couldn’t, but because they considered such a scheme to have many shortcomings. It should be noted that Russian helicopters have come to a global scheme for creating purely combat and purely transport helicopters. Although both purely combat and transport combat designs have both their advantages and disadvantages. For example, the Mi-24 can evacuate or deliver soldiers to places where a simple transporter simply won’t go. And there are many such situations when, instead of a pair of drummers, a transport worker flies one universal one. But as always, compromises also lead to the emergence of weaknesses: additional weight (fighters + transport compartment), deterioration of take-off characteristics and maneuverability. The enlarged rear part leads to an increase in the size of the affected area.

Soviet transport and combat attack helicopter Mi 24

Another photo of a Hungarian helicopter, the coloring is too beautiful

The inability to armor the transport compartment (large increase in mass), all this affects the survivability of the helicopter. In similar situations, the crew of, say, a “Tiger” or “Apache” will feel more confident. By the way, a very remarkable fact, the Vietnam War, the Iroquois helicopter. Open trough with a propeller, transporter. There is no striking firepower if it flies with or behind the landing force. Nevertheless. and who knows what losses this helicopter suffered? Almost half of the 7,000 who took part were lost. It would seem that the losses are huge, but upon examination this is not entirely true. One lost helicopter per 11,000 flight hours!!! Another Black Hawk helicopter is the uh 60a black hawk. The most important units have bulletproof armor, losses in Iraq out of 400 helicopters, only 2 from enemy fire.

A pair of Afghan Forces Mi-24s take off to perform daily patrols.

Mi 24 ATTACK HELICOPTER To ensure high flight speed - more than 300 km/h - the machine was equipped with a retractable landing gear. The main rotor was unloaded with a small wing mounted at an angle of 19° relative to the horizontal. This was also done to compensate for the lowering of the helicopter’s nose when accelerating. Its survivability was increased by armoring the cabin and main components, vital systems were duplicated, and control was made double - from the pilot and operator's seats. An A-12.7 aircraft machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber was installed in the nose. Under the wing, aerial bombs, incendiary tanks and units with unguided missiles were supposed to be suspended on four pylons and beam holders. On the first vehicles, the fuselages were equipped with nodes for attaching four Phalanx anti-tank missile guides.

An-124 delivered another new Mi-24 helicopter for Afghan aviation

The design of the helicopter was carried out in parallel with preparations for its mass production, which significantly reduced the time of its creation. A pilot batch of 10 B-24s was built for flight and static testing. And already on September 15, 1969, the first car was lifted into the air by test pilot G.A. Alferov. Tests revealed many shortcomings. Thus, the layout of the workplaces and the design of the cockpit canopy did not provide the necessary visibility of the airspace. In connection with this, the cockpit was rearranged, with separate independent workstations, the pilot received a seat behind and above the weapons operator, approximately 30 centimeters. The situation was aggravated by the fact that the helicopter, named Mi-24, was put into mass production before the completion of state tests. They ended only in 1972 and revealed new shortcomings, such as the “Dutch step” - when the car, like a pendulum, began to oscillate in course and roll.

The Mi-24 took part in more than 30 wars, and has been in service with the Soviet and then Russian army for more than forty years.

The design was partially modified, but the remaining design flaws were decided to be corrected in the following modifications of the Mi-24. The Mi-24A helicopter became the first production helicopter of the whole family. Operation of the machines in testing conditions revealed rapid wear of the engine compressor blades and the leading edges of the main rotor blades on sites with sandy soil. With the modification of the Mi-24D, the helicopter began to be produced with dust protection devices (DPD) located in front of the engine air intakes. The next modification was the Mi-24B, which was distinguished by its weapons. It was tested in 1972.

some more photos of Mi helicopter shooting

It had a remote-controlled rifle mount with a four-barreled machine gun, a Phalanga-P anti-tank system, and a Raduga-F semi-automatic radio command guidance system. The Mi-24D modification was equipped with separate cabins for the operator and pilot, retaining the armament of the Mi-24 B. The helicopter successfully passed state tests in 1974. The following year, the Mi-24V, equipped with a new generation Shturm-V anti-tank gun and automatic pilot sight from a Su-17 fighter bomber. To improve the helicopter's controllability when hovering and maneuvering, the tail rotor was moved from the starboard side to the left, changing the direction of its rotation. Based on the Mi-24V, they developed the cannon Mi-24P with a fixed double-barreled gun of 30 mm caliber. Until 1991, 620 of these helicopters were produced.

Mi-24VP cockpit before flights of a helicopter squadron of the Baltic Fleet aviation in “minimum weather” conditions, Chkalovsk airbase (Kaliningrad)

Mi-24s were used to solve various combat missions: landing troops, fire support, destruction of armored vehicles and manpower, evacuation of the wounded and transportation of goods. Combat use of the Mi-24 helicopter The Mi 24 helicopter photo was used in almost 40 military conflicts in the world, as soon as its export began in the mid-70s. Warsaw Pact organizations, and countries in our zone of influence from Libya to the DPRK. Ethiopia was one of the first in Africa to receive the Mi-24 helicopter.

Mi-24VP from the ASV pulp and paper plant (Torzhok) in flight over Moscow on May 9, 1992.

The Mi-24D was exported under the designation Mi-25, and the Mi-24V was designated Mi-35. After two former allies of the USSR, Somalia and Ethiopia, quarreled among themselves in 1978. The USSR supported the Ethiopians and, among other things, transferred 60 Mi-24A. The Mi-24 received its first baptism of fire during the Civil War in Angola in 1975, and the greatest combat experience was in Afghanistan. Here they stormed ground targets, evacuated the wounded, transported reinforcements and military supplies, and guarded landing and taking off planes. In battles, helicopters showed their high survivability, maneuverability and powerful weapons. At the same time, to reduce losses from missiles with a thermal guidance head, cassettes were installed under the tail boom or on the fuselage of the Mi-24, from which thermal traps were fired. For the same purpose, pulsed infrared lamps were placed there. They began to install an injection exhaust device on engine nozzles, which reduced the temperature of the exhaust gases. And the modern civil war in Ukraine cannot happen without our helicopters.

Mi-24P "yellow 09". After the “African safari”, this aircraft was photographed in Dnepropetrovsk in white paint during hostilities in the East

The largest military conflict involving the Mi 24 helicopter remains the war in Afghanistan. The first to “sniff gunpowder” were not Soviet vehicles and their crews, but Afghan ones. The Mi-25s of the DRA army began to fight against the irreconcilable opposition almost a year earlier, in the spring of 1979. A year later, they were joined by Soviet Mi-24s. Designed to fight the enemy in the much more temperate climate and predominantly flat landscape of Western Europe, the helicopter found itself in a completely different environment. Instead of enemy tanks and armored personnel carriers, there were light and maneuverable jeeps with large-caliber DShKs; there was no front line; at any moment, MANPADS could start firing from anywhere - first with the obsolete Red Eyes, and then with the much more dangerous Stingers. To compensate for operations in hot and thin air, helicopters were equipped with a system for short-term boosting of engines through water injection. In Afghanistan, it was often necessary to send an armed, but still more “flyable” Mi-8 instead of the heavier Mi-24.

Afghanistan, photo landing

Around the same time, the combat use of Iraqi Mi-24 and Mi-25 began in the outbreak of a large-scale war with Iran. Our helicopters have proven themselves to be strong fighters, although the low effectiveness of the old Phalanx anti-tank system caused many difficulties for Iraqi pilots. Almost immediately after the end of the Afghan war, the Mi-24, like all army aviation, found itself drawn into numerous conflicts on the territory of the USSR: Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, Tajikistan. In them, as in the later two Chechen wars, Mi-24s took an active part.

Our Mi-24 helicopters are again in Afghanistan, but under the signs of the Polish Army, interestingly, we didn’t involve the Warsaw Pact allies in our war before, maybe in vain

TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MI-24V Type: combat helicopter

TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MI-24V

• Crew, people: 2 (3) - pilot and navigator-weapon operator (sometimes flight engineer)
• Engines: two TVZ-117 turboshafts with a power of 1454 kW
• Dimensions, m: main rotor diameter: 17.3 fuselage length: 17.51 ​​height: 3.9
• Weight, kg: empty: 7580 take-off: 10,500 maximum: 11,000
• maximum speed, km/h: 320 ceiling, m: 5000 range, km: 595
• Armament: four-barreled machine gun YakB-12.7 caliber 12.7 (controlled by the weapon operator), 4xATGM 9M114 "Sturm-V", suspended machine gun or cannon containers, NAR units (S-5 and S-8) and aerial bombs in various combinations - up to 2400 kg on six suspension units.

On the basis of the Mi-24D, a reconnaissance device for chemical, radiation and bacteriological conditions was developed. For this purpose, special containers were placed on the wing pylons. The helicopter was equipped with a controlled device for taking soil samples.

Mi-24R - radiochemical reconnaissance aircraft in standard camouflage, without ATGM guidance equipment, sampling scoops are visible on the outer pylons, Ukrainian Air Force

The helicopter was built in other versions:

• Mi-24K - fire spotter,
• Mi-24M - anti-submarine,
• Mi-24BMT - minesweeper,
• Mi-24PS - patrol and rescue. A total of 5,200 vehicles of various modifications were built.

Mi "Twenty-four" were exported to 15 countries. Export copies received new designations:

Due to its characteristic profile in flight, the Mi-24 is sometimes called a “crocodile” by the military.

1. Mi-25 (Mi-24D),
2. Mi-35 (Mi-24V),
3. Mi-35P (Mi-24P),
4. Mi-35M (Mi-24B), they were often equipped with electronic equipment from foreign companies.

After the collapse of the USSR, the Russian Air Force had 1,500 Mi-24s of various modifications. Currently, our Air Force continues to be equipped with modernized Mi-24 helicopters.

Advantages and weaknesses

The combat effectiveness of the “twenty-four” was achieved by a combination of positive qualities: a powerful complex of various weapons, good armor protection and high speed. The reliability and unpretentiousness of the helicopter determined its popularity all over the world, and the great potential for modernization allows it not to become obsolete even now.

“Crocodile”, of course, had its shortcomings. But there were no fatal design flaws among them, and the existing ones were easily eliminated. The already mentioned unsuccessful design of the original version of the cabin was corrected on the Mi-24V. The insufficient efficiency of the tail rotor was overcome on the Mi-24D.

During the Afghan war, helicopters began to be equipped with high-altitude engines.

The armor was rated as good, and survivability was increased by filling the fuel tanks with polyurethane foam, installing heat traps to protect against MANPADS, and steel protection of the hydraulic system lines.

During the war in Afghanistan, the YakB machine gun established itself as a powerful, but extremely capricious and unreliable weapon. The machine gun overheated, jammed, and the tape broke. But later cannon modifications turned out to be much better. Failures, of course, happened, but in general both pilots and gunsmiths loved the gun.

They tried to arm the Crocodile with heavy S-24 and S-25 missiles. It turned out that the engines of powerful rockets with their plume of gases disrupted the operating mode of the helicopter engines; as a result, rocket launches were trusted only by experienced pilots. And such missiles were used only sporadically. Until the 90s, it was not possible to solve the problem of ensuring night work.

Performance characteristics in comparison with helicopters of potential enemies

Use in battles

When the Americans created their Cobra, the Vietnam War was in full swing, so the designers knew in advance which theater of operations their vehicle would go to and what it would encounter there. But the Mi-24 was not designed for the wars in which it had to participate. The first conflicts for the “crocodiles” were the war for the Ogaden, where they attacked Somali forces, and the war between Libya and Chad.

Since January 1980, the “twenty-four” began to be used in Afghanistan. It was this war that became the testing ground where the tactics of using attack helicopters were worked out and their weapons were improved.

Initially, the Mi-24 did not seem very suitable for local conditions; it was considered too heavy and not maneuverable enough. However, over time, the “universal” Mi-8s began to be used less and less for strike missions, but the Mi-24s were used more and more often. For transport purposes, the “crocodile” was almost never used. With troops on board, maneuverability dropped even more, and the cabin itself was too cramped.

In Afghanistan, they worked out the following tactics of use: unguided missiles were launched, followed by fire from a machine gun or cannon, and finally, bombs were dropped.

The 57 mm NAR S-5 was gradually replaced by the more powerful S-8 caliber.

A certain number of Mi-24s remained in the Afghan Air Force after the withdrawal of Soviet troops. There they fought on the side of government troops, and then took part in a new round of civil war and appeared among opponents of the regime.

After the collapse of the USSR, Mi-24s were used in Nagorno-Karabakh, by both sides. Russian “twenty-fours” were actively used during the war in Chechnya. The Iran-Iraq war is interesting because during its course the Mi-24 was repeatedly used for air combat. When performing such “non-core” missions, Iraqi helicopters even managed to shoot down fighter jets.

However, most often the fights took place between helicopters. The opponent of the “twenty-four” was the “Cobra”, which was also poorly (if not worse) adapted for air combat. The outcome of such battles was usually determined by the level of training of the pilots, but the list of victories of Mil's machines ended up being longer.

Mi-24s fought in Angola, in Indochina they shot down Khmer Rouge camps, in Peru they helped fight the drug mafia. And during the war in Sierra Leone in the 90s, Mi-24s were at the disposal of the Executive Outcomes PMC.

During the civil war in Syria, Mi-24s are used by both the Syrian Air Force and Russian aviation.

Unfortunately, it was the Mi-24 (specifically the Mi-35M, the export version of the Mi-24) that became the first helicopter lost by Russia in this conflict.

Transport and combat helicopter Mil Mi-24D and its modifications

USSR, first flight – June 1972

However, along with the undeniable advantages, the first experience of combat operation of Mi-24A helicopters also showed their disadvantages. Some of them were known in advance and were caused by a delay in the development of components (primarily in armament), others were revealed only when the vehicle entered combat units. And among these was the unsuccessful layout of the cockpit of the pilot and navigator - weapons operator.

The Mi-24D transport and combat helicopter was the basis of the striking power of Soviet army aviation in the 1970s during the harsh times of the first Cold War. The picture shows a vehicle of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany, presumably taken at the Stendhal airfield in the GDR Photo: A. Artyukh

Mi-24D (V-24D) project in the original version and full-scale mock-up of the NChF , transport and combat helicopter.

To eliminate the shortcomings of the Mi-24A helicopter identified during operational operation and to bring its design and configuration into compliance with the specifications of the Air Force and the approved project of the Moscow Helicopter Plant named after. M.L. Mil in 1971, under the leadership of General Designer Marat Tishchenko, began designing a modification of the Mi-24V.

Main differences from the serial Mi-24A helicopter:

• for the crew (pilot and weapons operator), instead of a single cabin, new separate cabins with teardrop-shaped canopies were made - see below;

The main change in the design of the Mi-24D modification was a new nose with separate pilot and navigator cabins with good visibility, a USPU-24 machine gun mount with expanded firing angles and an improved layout of the Phalanga-PV ATGM systems. With them, the helicopter acquired a completely new “predatory” silhouette, for which it was nicknamed “crocodile” Photo: S.G. Freezing

The operator's and pilot's cabins of the Mi-24D helicopter are protected by large windshields and metal armor Photo: S.G. Freezing

• the operator's canopy (front) consists of a visor with an inclined flat armored glass, and the main part in the form of a deformed sphere (“drop”) with an entrance hatch that opens on the left, as well as a closed canopy frame;
• The pilot's - crew commander's canopy (rear) consists of a visor (similar in design to the operator's canopy, but differs in size) and a main part, also similar to the operator's cabin, but with an entrance door on the left side with a forced opening mechanism, in its place the under-canopy frame is open, and the fuselage is reinforced in this place;
• steps were made on the sides of the NChF for ease of entry into the operator and pilot cabins;
• in connection with the introduction of new crew cabins, the placement of controls and equipment in them has been changed;

Placement of equipment on the starboard side of the operator's cabin of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

Cockpit of the pilot - crew commander of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

The cockpit door of the Mi-24D helicopter with an opening mechanism Photo: A. Artyukh

Controls in the cockpit of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

The central part of the instrument panel, the handle and control pedals in the cockpit of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

• a passage was made between the pilot’s cabin to the right of his seat and the landing compartment into a short compartment in which the flight engineer’s seat and his equipment are located;
• the armor of the sides and floor of the crew cabins is protected by additional armor;
• In connection with the introduction of a new design for the cockpits of the pilot and weapons operator, the nose and, to a large extent, the middle part of the fuselage were completely redesigned, the equipment was rearranged and some of it was placed on racks near the partition separating the pilot and landing cabins, which is why the maximum length of the landing cabin decreased by 365 mm, and height - by 10 mm;
• due to changes in the design of the SSF and a reduction in the space of the landing cabin, the volume of internal tanks was reduced from 2250 to 2210 liters, and new additional tanks of smaller capacity installed in the landing cabin were made - 2 x 980 instead of 1030 liters;
• The design of the front landing gear retraction and release system has been simplified, the angle of rotation of the rack during retraction has been reduced, the depth of the niche has been reduced, in the new design, the PSH is only partially removed and the niche is not completely closed by the flaps, which only slightly affected the speed characteristics and range of the helicopter;

The front landing gear of the Mi-24D helicopter is only partially retracted into the fuselage and its niche is closed only in the front part, however, the maximum speed of this modification is 15 km/h higher than that of the Mi-24A with a fully closed niche POS Photo: A. Artyukh

• instead of the 9P46M "Phalanga-M" ATGM, a new "Sturm-V" is provided with four supersonic "Cocoon" ATGMs in sealed containers and semi-automatic radio command guidance using the three-point method;
• in the new ATGM, the location of the control panels and optical sight has been changed (a new gyro-stabilized optical sight with two fields of view is installed on the right side of the cockpit, its eyepiece and control handles, with which the operator holds the mark on the target, are located to the right of it, and the lens, covered with optical glasses and openable duralumin flaps with a hydromechanical drive and a rack and pinion mechanism, - in the fairing under the fuselage also on the starboard side), instead of the manual radio command system 9S431M3, a semi-automatic "Raduga-F" with a horn antenna is installed in an asymmetric fairing under the left side of the NChF (antenna pattern 12° in vertical and 16.5° horizontally; to target a target outside this sector, it rotates around the vertical axis at an angle of ±50°, expanding the possible sector of ATGM use);

The USPU-24 machine gun mount of the Mi-24D helicopter increased not only the firepower of the rotary-wing attack aircraft, but also the flexibility of using weapons due to the expansion of firing sectors and ease of aiming Photo: S.G. Freezing

Operator's cabin, USPU-24 machine gun mount and gyro-stabilized optical sight of the Phalanga-PV anti-tank missile system of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

• Instead of installing the NUV-1 with an A-12.7 machine gun, the NChF placed a unified infantry mobile installation USPU-24 with a machine gun of the Yakushev and Borzov YakB-12.7 system (increase in second salvo by 4.7 times, muzzle power by 4.4 times) with the operator’s KPS-53AV sighting station (the pilot can fire from a machine gun fixed straight ahead, using his PKV collimator sight and aiming it at the target with a helicopter maneuver);

Mounted in the operator's cabin in front of the front armored glass, the KPS-53AV sighting station of the SPSV-24 small arms and cannon armament system, which provides guidance to the USPU-24 mobile installation with the YakB-12.7 machine gun Photo: A. Artyukh

Installation of a PKV collimator sight in the cockpit of a Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

• the use of suspended small arms and cannon weapons is envisaged - at the first stage, two standardized gun containers UPK-23-250 with one GSh-23 cannon in each (caliber 23 mm, ammunition 250 rounds), for the second stage, the development of universal helicopter HC nacelles (9A662) was underway ) with one 30-mm grenade launcher 213P-A (A-17A) or with one YAKB-12.7 machine gun and two GShG-7.62 machine guns in each;
• all built-in and suspended small arms and cannon weapons of the helicopter were combined into the SPSV-24 system, which ensured communication of the weapon with the sights through the “Aist” analog computer, which issued corrections when firing depending on the helicopter’s speed vector and target position;
• to control the results of the use of weapons, an additional installation of the PAU-457-2M photo-machine gun was made (the S-13 type FKP used on the Mi-24A also remained, but its installation was changed in accordance with the new cockpit layout);
• the rest of the weapons are of the Mi-24A type;

UB-32A-73 pods for 32 S-5 unguided missiles, 57 mm caliber each, were the most commonly used weapons on Mi-24D helicopters in the 1970s. Photo: A. Artyukh

• the Veer-AD RSBN, which, according to information sent to the helicopter developer, was almost never used in combat operation, was excluded from the flight and navigation equipment;
• an SPO-19 "Sirena-3M" radiation warning station was installed, antennas were installed at the ends of the rear fairings of the external beam holders and on the pylons of the ATGM launch frames, which made it possible to detect radar radiation in the range of 1.8-4 cm in the front and rear hemispheres and approximately determine the direction to the source of the threat;
• The LPG-4 onboard cargo boom with a lifting winch, etc., was excluded from the amphibious transport equipment.

The development of the Shturm-V ATGM was still behind schedule, while all other new components, as well as the airframe's own modifications made by the cost center, were ready for implementation. In order not to delay the delivery of the improved helicopter, it was decided to develop an “intermediate” modification of the Mi-24D with the Phalanga-PV ATGM with four 9M17P Scorpion missiles with a design close to the serial 9M17M missile, but with semi-automatic guidance instead of manual, a new missile was lighter and smaller with the same ability to penetrate 500 mm of homogeneous armor, the minimum altitude of use was reduced from 20 to 10 m, which was important for attacking tanks covered by MZA, but its speed decreased from 220 to 170 m/s, which caused an increase in time attacks by 30%.

Launchers of the Falagna-PV ATGM missiles of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

Mi-24D (V-24D) 1st experimental transport and combat helicopter.

The cost center was built in accordance with the “interim” project with the Phalanga-PV ATGM in partial configuration - without installing the USPU-24 with the YakB-12.7 machine gun. The helicopter had a tail rotor installation on the right, similar to the Mi-24A of the first series.

The helicopter was submitted for factory testing in the 1st half of 1972 and made its first flight under the ZI program in June 1972.

The main focus of the testing was on testing the new design of the cabins and fuselage, the operation of the fuel and electrical systems, as well as flight and navigation equipment.

No information has been found about the transfer of this helicopter to the State Inspectorate.

Main rotor hub of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

Left main landing gear of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

Landing compartment of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

V-24 ​​(Mi-24D) project in the final version, 2nd and 3rd experimental (without b/no) , transport and combat helicopter.

The cost center was built in 1972 with the USPU-24 installation.

The modification of two already flying B-24 helicopters of the experimental series was carried out by the cost center in the 2nd half of 1972.

Information about the ATGM installed on them is contradictory: according to some data, “Sturm-V” was mounted during testing, according to others, “Phalanga-PV”.

Compared to the 1st prototype, there were changes in the size of the helicopter:

• the length of the fuselage (with a machine gun barrel) increased by 350 mm;
• Parking clearance decreased by 120 mm.

The surveys were carried out at the end of 1972 – beginning of 1974. and were aimed mainly at testing new weapon components - ATGMs and USPU-24.

SGI of the helicopter was carried out from February to November 1974 by pilots of the Air Force GNIK S.V. Petrov, M.V. Razomazov, L.Z. Tatarchuk, leading engineer – G.I. Kuznetsov. They ended with a positive assessment, confirming a significant improvement in visibility from the navigator's and operator's seats - according to this indicator, the Mi-24 was recognized as the best among all combat aircraft of the USSR Air Force.

The flight performance of the helicopter with new aerodynamics also improved - the flight speed without suspension at sea level (MSA) increased from 320 to 335 km/h, which was higher than any other military helicopter and still remains a very high figure.

From the point of view of the view from the cockpits, the Mi-24D became the best combat aircraft in the Soviet Air Force Photo: A. Artyukh

During the SGI and further at GNIK VSS, a number of special tests of the Mi-24D helicopter were carried out:

• performing complex aerobatics (turn with a minimum radius, forced (combat) turn, hill, turn and turn on a hill, dive, etc., a conclusion was issued on the possibility of their use by combat pilots and appropriate training methods were developed;
• testing of POS in Arctic conditions;
• In 1975, tests were carried out on centrifugal dust protection devices (DPDs) installed on engine air intakes (they ensured a degree of air purification in the range of 70-75%, the set weighs 55 kg, takes 220 hp of power and reduces the helicopter’s flight range by 1.5- 2%, but the overhaul life of TV3-177 Series III engines equipped with them increased from 300 to 750 hours, and the designated one reached 1500 hours);
• testing in high altitude and high temperature conditions;
• tests of aborted and continued takeoff;
• landing tests with one and two engines inoperative.

These tests also completed with a satisfactory rating.

Upon completion of the SGI, full-scale testing of the helicopter was carried out, which confirmed its suitability for operational use.

It was not possible to test all the elements of weapons and equipment of the new modification of the Mi-24 with the Shturm-V ATGM, and it was decided to adopt the USSR Air Force and put into production the Mi-24D modification with simplified weapons and the Phalanga-PV ATGM.

The rest of the helicopter's missile and bomb armament remained the same as on the Mi-24A in 1974.

The Mi-24D helicopter was adopted by the USSR Air Force by a joint resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers dated March 29, 1976, when its serial production and deliveries had been going on for about four years.

Mi-24D (edition 246) serial production of the Rostov Helicopter Plant , transport and combat helicopter. The order from the Ministry of Aviation Administration on the development of production of the Mi-24D at RVPO was signed on 02.13.72. At the same time, the main enterprise for the production of the Mi-24D was determined to be the N.I. Aviation. Sazykin in Arsenyev, where RVZ transferred serial working design and technological documentation developed by its services and production.

Helicopters of the lead series (5 pieces) were built in 1973 and were transferred for various types of tests.

Subsequently, RVZ built helicopters of this modification mainly for export (including Mi-25 and Mi-24DU).

Mi-24D serial transport and combat helicopter. Serial production of the helicopter began in 1973 (the helicopter was put into production at RVZ with a slight advance).

The main production and modifications were carried out at .

During the production of the Mi-24D helicopter, the following changes were introduced in its design and configuration:

• from mid-1974, to improve controllability, the installation of a tail rotor to the left of the keel beam was introduced (which required changes to its design, transmission, control system and the rotor itself, similar to the Mi-24A helicopters with the same modification);

Serial Mi-24D helicopter, built in Arsenyev in the first half of the 1970s. - the vehicle is still without dust protection devices on the engine air intakes, but already with the installation of a tail rotor to the left of the keel beam, introduced in 1974. Photo: archive of S.G. Frost

Installation of a tail rotor on a Mi-24D helicopter of the latest series Photo: A. Artyukh

The junction of the tail and keel beams, the stabilizer, the friend-or-foe transponder antenna and the safety tail “heel” of the Mi-24D helicopter landing gear. No. 3532462609159 - a late series vehicle with a left-hand tail rotor. Photo: A. Artyukh

• from mid-1974, the short-wave communications radio station “Karat M-24” was supplemented by the VHF radio station R-828 “Eucalyptus M-24”;
• in the latest episodes, the short-wave communications radio station “Karat M-24” was replaced by the new “Yadro-11”;
• instead of the Pero-1 command radio station, R-863 was installed with a change in AFS;
• an MS-61 Lyra tape recorder was installed to record crew conversations;
• FKP S-13 was moved to the fairing at the tip of the left wing;
• on the last series of 1977 production, the installation of TV3-117 series engines was introduced. III with ROM (see above);

Mi-24D helicopter of the latest production series - board 08 of the GSVG Air Force. Presumably – Stendal airfield, East Germany, 1980s Photo: A. Artyukh

At the factories in Rostov and Arsenyev, production continued until 1977; 340 units were built at both factories. The main number of Mi-24D helicopters were built for the USSR Air Force.

During combat operation, based on the experience of the war in Afghanistan and combat operation in various climatic and tactical conditions, the Mi-24D helicopter received further modifications according to industry bulletins (however, some of them were initiated and developed by the engineering services of the USSR Air Force):

• in order to increase altitude, as well as ensure take-off from high-mountain sites in hot climates, water injection devices in front of the turbine and electronic regulators were installed on the engines, which made it possible to briefly increase power on takeoff and increase the static ceiling (while hovering) to 2100 m;
• installed TV3-117V engines (TV3-117VM, product “78V”, take-off power of 2200 hp is maintained up to an altitude of 2200 m in ISA conditions and up to a temperature of +30 ° C at H = 0 m, nominal 1700 hp, specific gravity 0.117 kg/hp, specific fuel consumption 0.23...0.265 kg/hp*h, completely interchangeable with TV3-117 series III);
• armament has been strengthened - the use of two GUV nacelles and four B-8V-20 NAR units has been ensured (20 S-8 NARs of 80 mm caliber in each);
• to reduce damage to missiles with thermal seekers (primarily, this was due to the development of MANPADS, which not only became the main armament of the army air defense of NATO countries, but were also transferred by them to gangs around the world), screen-exhaust devices (ESD) were installed on the nozzles of helicopters engines, which blocked them from direct “vision” of the missile seeker and mixed the hot flow of exhaust gases with cold outside air, reducing the temperature contrast from 500...600 °C to 150...200 °C and, accordingly, the probability of capture of the missile seeker, on the fuselage behind the APU compartment an infrared interference lamp was installed (LIP, also known as SOEP-V-1A or L166V-11E, creates flashing deflection interference), and under the tail boom there were two or 4 ASO-2V cassettes for 32 deflection IR traps each, shooting was carried out in series of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 16 traps per cassette in one or both directions);

In the war in Afghanistan, for the first time, Soviet helicopter pilots directly encountered the enemy's use of heat-seeking MANPADS, which required the creation of screen-exhaust devices to protect the engine nozzles. Their first samples were heavy and bulky Photo: S. Sergeev’s archive

Mi-24D helicopter of the latest series with an infrared interference lamp LIP, also known as SOEP-V-1A or L166V-11E Photo: Internet

The infrared interference lamp (pictured on the Mi-24D helicopter of the Polish Air Force) required extremely careful handling and if it was not planned to be used in flight, it was left covered with a cap, and often completely removed Photo: Internet

Empty bracket for the infrared interference lamp of the Mi-24D helicopter Photo: A. Artyukh

• on some helicopters (primarily export Mi-24D set “A”, see below), instead of the SPO-19 “Sirena-3M” enemy radar warning station, which only gives direction to the source of the threat, a new SPO-15L ( L-006) “Bereza-L” developed by Central Design Bureau of Automation, Omsk; it not only detected radiation, but also recorded the type of radar, memorizing up to six of their options, and determining the degree of their danger, the accuracy of determining the direction to the radar in the forward hemisphere was significantly increased thanks to the installation of two broadband lens antennas on the sides of the operator’s cabin and other antennas on the helicopter airframe ; all information was displayed on an indicator in the cockpit;

Installation of lens broadband antennas of an improved warning station for enemy radar exposure SPO-15L “Bereza” (L006) on the sides of the operator’s cabin on a modified Mi-24D helicopter Photo: Internet

• the use of disposable bomb clusters RBK-250 and RBK-500 (including for mining), as well as containers for small-caliber bombs and KMG-U mines has been ensured;
• on a trial basis, to combat air targets, it was possible to use two short-range air-to-air missiles R-60 with an infrared seeker, for which purpose PU-60-I launchers were installed under the wing, test and launch circuits were mounted, and a target acquisition indicator coupled with a PKV sight (tests were passed with a satisfactory assessment, including in the conditions of Afghanistan, but the modification was not introduced into the series, since it turned out to be more profitable to use MANPADS for this, a modification for helicopter use of which was developed and implemented on the Mi-35M).

The operation of Mi-24D helicopters in the USSR and beyond will be discussed in a further general section devoted to this issue.

Preparation for equipping UB-16 units with unguided S-5 rackets on a Mi-24D helicopter of the GSVG Air Force Photo: A. Artyukh

Mi-24D export in the “A” configuration, serially produced by RVZ , transport and combat helicopter. Export version of the Mi-24D produced by the Rostov Helicopter Plant for deliveries to ATS countries.

The helicopters were built by RVZ and in design and configuration did not differ from those intended for the USSR Air Force. Initially, they had technical inscriptions in Russian, which were gradually replaced by the operator’s own ones.

Helicopters Mi-24D set. “A” RVZs were built in the 1970s...1980s. and were supplied to the air forces of all Warsaw Pact countries outside the USSR.

Mi-25 serially produced by RVZ , transport and combat helicopter. Export version of the Mi-24D produced by the Rostov Helicopter Plant in configuration “B” for deliveries to countries not included in the ATS.

From the export version of the Mi-24D kit. “A” of the first series had the following differences:

• installed REO (including the transponder system for determining nationality, radio station) in a configuration permitted for export;
• According to a number of sources, Mi-25 helicopters were equipped with a simplified export version of the ATGM, which was manufactured at a machine-building plant in the city of Kovrov, Vladimir Region. RSFSR under the name "Scorpion" (like the missile itself), however, it has not yet been possible to confirm the existence of such a modification of the ATGM and, according to the developer (PO Tochmash), the Mi-25 was equipped with the Phalanga-PV ATGM, the same as on other combat modifications of the Mi-24D;
• technical inscriptions are made in a language agreed with the customer;
• single and group sets of spare parts and aids - as agreed with the customer.

Mi-25 helicopters were built by RVZ in the 1980s, but some of the Mi-25 helicopters delivered were conventional Mi-24Ds, removed from service with the USSR Air Force and brought to the above configuration for delivery abroad.

Mi-24DU (ed. 249) serial production of RVZ , a training helicopter designed to practice all elements of Mi-24D piloting and navigation.

The Mi-24D has the following differences from the basic configuration:

• ATGM and SPSV-24 system with YakB-12.7 machine gun and sights are not installed (weapons - NAR units, bombs, RBK, landing weapons);
• a full-fledged dual control system and a full set of PNO and system monitoring devices are installed in the front cockpit (for the instructor pilot).

The lead helicopter was built by RVZ and tested in 1980.

In the early 1980s. launched into mass production at RVZ, where it was produced in small batches along with the Mi-25U.

Mi-24DU kit. "A" serial export production RVZ , training helicopter. Export version of the Mi-24DU produced by the Rostov Helicopter Plant for deliveries to ATS countries.

The helicopters were built by RVZ and in design and configuration did not differ from those intended for the USSR Air Force. Initially, they had technical inscriptions in Russian, which were gradually replaced by the operator’s own ones.

Helicopters Mi-24DU set. “A” RVZs were built in the 1970s...1980s. and were supplied to the air forces of the same ATS countries that received combat Mi-24D

Mi-25U serially produced by RVZ , transport and combat helicopter. Export version of the Mi-24D produced by the Rostov Helicopter Plant in configuration “B” for deliveries to countries not included in the ATS.

From the export version of the Mi-24DU kit. “A” of the first series had the same differences that were between the Mi-24D and Mi-25. Armament - Mi-24DU type.

Mi-24D helicopter of the latest production series - behind the APU compartment on the fuselage there is a mount for an L166V-11E infrared interference lamp, but it itself is not installed Photo: A. Artyukh

Although quite a lot of Mi-24D helicopters and their modifications were built and they generally performed well, their adoption and launch into mass production was a forced and temporary measure. This made it possible not to delay the development of army aviation of the Soviet Union until the introduction of the new anti-tank missile system "Sturm-V", which meets all the requirements of that time and has sufficient reserves for further improvement.

And when its development was successfully completed, the place of the Mi-24D in the workshops of aircraft factories in Arsenyev and Rostov was taken by a new main modification of the transport and combat helicopter - the Mi-24V.

The meaning of the definitions, concepts and abbreviations used in the article and tables can be found out by opening our short dictionary on aviation and rocketry

For detailed tactical and technical data of the helicopter described here, see the table of performance characteristics of the Mi-24D

For detailed information about the weapons and equipment of the helicopters described here, see table AB and REO Mi-24D

A list of sources used will be given in the last section of the Handbook, dedicated to helicopters of this family.

To be continued

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Miscellaneous

The first mock-ups of the Mi-24 (then still B-24) were painted traditionally for Soviet helicopters - a single dark green color and light blue for the fuselage. But already the prototype in 1969 had a two-color deforming camouflage.

In 1984, “fake” Mi-24s were made for the filming of the film “Red Dawn”. French Puma helicopters were equipped with mock-up wings with NAR units, and the nose was covered with a fairing made of tinted glass.

Overall, it turned out to be a fairly passable imitation of the early twenty-fours, but the fairing impaired the pilots’ visibility too much. As a result, when the same helicopters in the same role appeared in the films “Rambo 2” and “Rambo 3”, all that remained of their makeup were wings with rocket launchers. And the resemblance to the Mi-24 was completely lost.

In lesser-known action films, for example, in “Red Scorpion,” the role of the Mi-24 was played by the S-62, whose decorative wings with NAR units did not provide even a minimal resemblance to the “Crocodile.” But in the film “Fire Fox” they used not real helicopters, but radio-controlled models - but they reliably conveyed the appearance of the early “Glass”.

For more than three decades, “crocodiles” have been fighting in different parts of the globe.

Once upon a time, they were intended to transport airborne assault units behind enemy lines, supporting them with fire. And in the end, they even had to participate in air battles, which were previously considered a far-fetched scenario that was unlikely to be feasible in reality. And the “twenty-four” passed all the tests with honor, its reputation as a “classic” attack helicopter is fully deserved.

Perhaps the Mi-24 was not the best helicopter in its class. But the effectiveness of its combat use, popularity among pilots and customers speak for themselves - it is an outstanding combat vehicle, a formidable enemy and a worthy opponent.