The Mi-35M is a deep modernization of the well-proven Mi-24 transport and combat helicopter, which received the nickname “Crocodile” among the troops. Currently, the Mi-35M is produced both for export and for the needs of the Russian army. The helicopter is designed to destroy enemy armored vehicles, fire support for ground forces on the battlefield, landing forces and evacuating the wounded. In addition, the helicopter can be used to transport various cargoes in the cabin and on an external sling. The helicopter is manufactured by Rosvertol OJSC, located in Rostov-on-Don.
In 2010, the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered 22 Mi-35M helicopters with a delivery date of 2010-2015. As of August 2012, there were 12 Mi-35M helicopters in the Russian army. Later, another additional contract was signed for the supply of 27 Mi-35M helicopters until 2014. In addition to Russia, the operators of this helicopter are Venezuela - an order for 10 helicopters (designation Mi-35M2 Caribe), Brazil - an order for 12 helicopters (designation AH-2 Saber), Azerbaijan - an order for 24 helicopters.
Thanks to the modernization program, the new Mi-35M helicopter has become a multi-purpose attack vehicle capable of performing combat missions around the clock, even in the most difficult weather conditions. The helicopter is equipped with a mobile double-barreled artillery mount GSh-23L of 23 mm caliber and is armed with Sturm-type anti-tank guided missiles. One of the design features of the Mi-35M was the use of shortened wings and a lightweight fixed landing gear, which had a positive effect on the weight of the helicopter. The X-shaped tail rotor has also undergone changes, which now provides the helicopter with greater controllability while reducing noise levels. Got a car and more powerful engines, which made it possible to increase the flight altitude.
Mi-35M Brazilian Air Force
The Mi-35M multi-role attack helicopter is equipped with an upgraded OPS-24N surveillance and sighting system, which is compatible with a night vision system, avionics and can be used in both day and night conditions. The helicopter received a thermal imaging surveillance system, as well as night vision devices, which allows it to detect and recognize targets at a distance of several kilometers at any time of the day. In addition, the helicopter is equipped with a modern satellite navigation system, which is connected to the helicopter’s on-board computer. This allows you to reduce the time for calculating the route, determining navigation parameters, and displaying the route on the helicopter commander’s monitor screen by more than 2 times.
In addition to the combat version, the helicopter can be used in the following roles: airborne, cargo and ambulance. In the landing version, the helicopter can transport up to 8 paratroopers with personal weapons in the cargo compartment. In the transport version, the helicopter is capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg. ammunition or other cargo inside the cargo compartment. At the same time, the Mi-35M helicopter is equipped with an external suspension system and can transport cargo with a total weight of up to 2,400 kg outside the cargo compartment. In the sanitary version, the Mi-35M can transport 2 lying and 2 sitting wounded or sick people, accompanied by one medical worker.
Features of the Mi-35M helicopter
The modernized Mi-35M helicopter was created on the basis of the export version of the Mi-24 (Mi-35) helicopter for the use of more advanced weapons around the clock. The purpose of the undertaken modernization of the helicopter is to significantly improve its flight performance, as well as to ensure more efficient use of all possible types of weapons (including high-precision weapons) around the clock and in a wide variety of physical and geographical conditions. Including using the machine in hot climates and high mountains.
Mi-35M Venezuelan Air Force
To ensure round-the-clock execution of combat missions, the following were installed on the Mi-35M:
New surveillance and sighting system OPS-24N, which includes a gyro-stabilized optical-electronic station GOES-342;
- sighting and computing complex PrVK-24;
-navigation and electronic display complex KNEI-24;
- lighting equipment that is adapted for the use of night vision goggles.
Installing these systems on a helicopter made it possible to: provide the vehicle with round-the-clock detection and recognition of both ground and surface targets; carry out guidance of guided missiles; determine the distance to the target of attack using a laser range finder; carry out more accurate aiming when using mobile and fixed small arms and cannon weapons, as well as unguided missiles; ensure the flight along a given route in semi-automatic mode; reduce the physical load on the helicopter crew while operating the aircraft and using available weapons.
The use of night vision goggles (NVG) led to the fact that the external and internal lighting equipment of the Mi-35M was specially adapted for them. The use of ONV makes it possible to detect objects under illumination of at least 5 × 10-4 lux. NVGs operate in the wavelength range from 640 to 900 nm. The use of night vision devices provides the helicopter with:
Possibility of piloting at altitudes from 50 to 200 m.s. visual inspection behind the underlying surface;
- detection of targets such as “armored vehicles”, “power line mast”, “road”, etc.;
- performing takeoff, landing, flight and approach, as well as performing landings touching the ground on unlit and unequipped areas;
Performing various types of search and rescue operations, as well as monitoring the area at night.
The Mi-35M helicopter is armed with NPPU-23 - a forward fixed movable gun mount with a GSh-23L cannon (double-barreled). Depending on the weapon option, a helicopter can carry the following types of weapons:
Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) "Ataka-M" and "Shturm-V" up to 8 pieces, equipped various types combat units, depending on the type of targets;
- 2 or 4 B8V20-A blocks with S-8 type NAR (80-mm caliber unguided aircraft missile);
- suspended cannon armament, which consists of 2 UPK-23-250 containers equipped with GSh-23L cannons.
To improve the technical characteristics, flight performance, and aerodynamic qualities of the Mi-35M helicopter, a new load-bearing system was installed on it. It includes a new main rotor, the blades of which are made from composite materials, and the propeller has a new aerodynamic profile. The propeller blades have less mass and increased technical resource. Their survivability against combat damage has been increased. In addition, the helicopter uses a new main rotor hub with elastomeric hinges that do not require lubrication; the main parts of the bushing are made of titanium alloys. The four-bladed steering propeller with a two-tier X-shaped arrangement of blades is also made from composite materials and was equipped with a torsion bar suspension. In addition, the number of lubrication points for the helicopter tail rotor bushing has been reduced.
The helicopter’s new load-bearing system provides the vehicle with: high maneuverability characteristics, low acoustic signature, as well as increased combat survivability. The main rotor blades installed on the Mi-35M, made of composite materials, allow them to remain operational until the end of the flight, even if hit by artillery shells of up to 30 mm caliber. At the same time, the composite blades of both rotors (main and steering) are equipped with an electrothermal anti-icing system.
In addition, the Mi-35M helicopter was equipped with modern VK-2500-02 engines of increased power, which are a further development of the TV3-117 family of engines. The use of new VK-2500-02 engines, which have an increased altitude and a longer service life compared to TV3-117 engines (up to 60,000 hours), allows the helicopter to be used effectively in conditions of high altitudes and high temperatures, and also ensures the safety of the flight and landing of the Mi- 35M with one inoperative engine.
Mi-35M Russian Air Force
In the design of the turbine of the VK-2500-02 engines, modern heat-resistant materials, an electronic-mechanical engine control system were used, and the disk of the first stage of the compressor was strengthened. All this made it possible to increase the temperature of the gases in front of the compressor turbine and the free turbine, increasing the rotation speed of the turbocharger. The engine had “maximum” and “emergency” flight modes, which are used in the case of flight with only 1 running engine.
The Mi-35M helicopter received a new shortened wing, equipped with DBZ-UV beam holders, which allow the installation of multi-seat helicopters starting devices APU-8/4-U, used for mounting guided missiles. In addition, a shortened wing with new holders made it possible to increase the manufacturability of equipping the Mi-35M with various special cargo using a mechanism installed in the wing to lift it.
Received a helicopter and new take-off and landing devices, which are designed to absorb and handle loads during takeoff, landing and
taxiing the car on the ground, as well as changing the ground clearance of the helicopter in the parking lot. The machine is also equipped with a non-retractable landing gear, which ensures the safety of helicopter flight at extremely low altitudes or in the event of an emergency landing.
Thus, it can be argued that the Mi-35M helicopter, thanks to being equipped with a digital computing system and modern avionics, and 3rd generation night vision goggles, has become a round-the-clock, all-weather helicopter with an expanded range of combat missions.
Flight- technical specifications Mi-35M:
Dimensions: main rotor diameter – 17.2 m, tail rotor diameter – 3.84 m, length – 17.49 m, height – 4.16 m.
Empty weight – 8,360 kg, normal – 10,900 kg, maximum take-off – 11,500 kg.
Engine type – 2 VK-2500-02, 2x2200 hp.
Maximum ground speed - 300 km/h, cruising speed - 260 km/h
Practical range – 450 km. (without PTB) and 1,000 km. (with PTB).
Static ceiling – 3,150 m, dynamic – 5,100 m.
Crew – 2 people
Armament: 2x23-mm NPPU-23 installation (450 rounds), up to 8 Shturm-V, Ataka-M ATGMs, 2 or 4 NAR S-8 units, etc.
Sources of information:
-http://www.rostvertolplc.ru/product/mi-24/version/mi-35m (manufacturer)
-http://www.rg.ru/2012/10/17/reg-ufo/vertolet.html
-http://ru.wikipedia.org/
The Mi-35M helicopter is an export version Russian helicopter Mi-24. Both cars are developments of the Mil design bureau. This machine is manufactured for the Ministry of Defense and for export. The main task of the Mi35M is to destroy enemy armored vehicles, as well as provide fire support for ground forces. The helicopter can be used as a landing vehicle and for transporting various cargoes. Often such a device is used in rescue operations.
The name of the Mi-35M helicopter was first used to refer to the Mi-24V, which was exported overseas since 1976. There are many export modifications under the Mi-35 brand. They had their own characteristics and were designed to perform different tasks. The standard Mi-35 had a special sight and was equipped with an engine that was manufactured at the Motor Sich plant.
There are many other devices that are equipped with equipment for special operations: a variety of weapons and special combat systems that produce targeted fire at the enemy, regardless of the time of day and visibility. As for the Mi-35M, it has three variants of its design and layout. The prototype of the skewer was manufactured in early 1995.
The Mi-35M helicopter is a deep modernization of the Mi-24 helicopter, which has a reputation as a reliable combat vehicle. It provided reliable assistance to our soldiers during combat operations, which is why the helicopter was dubbed the “Crocodile.” Today, the production of the Mi-35M helicopter is carried out by a helicopter plant in Rostov, called Rosvertol.
There are many orders from foreign and Russian clients. At the beginning of 2010, the Ministry of Defense of our state ordered 22 combat vehicles of this class, all of these vehicles are planned to be manufactured before 2015. Two years after the ministerial order, 12 vehicles were ready. After which another contract was concluded for the supply of 27 vehicles of this type. Under these contracts, all devices must be ready by the end of 2014. In addition to the Russian Federation, the Mi-34M helicopter is also used by other countries around the world. The main partners are Azerbaijan, which ordered 24 helicopters, as well as Brazil, which has been purchasing helicopters from our country for a long time and again placed an order for the production of 12 machines. Venezuela is also a long-standing and reliable partner, having agreed to supply 10 helicopters.
Design features of the Mi-35M helicopter
This machine was manufactured to defeat enemy forces through the use of latest technologies and developments, and this combat unit can operate around the clock and in all weather conditions. Thanks to the modernization of this machine, it was possible to achieve significantly better flight qualities than its predecessor. The Mi-35M maintains high performance in hot climates and when flying at high altitudes.
In order for the helicopter to carry out missions throughout the day, the following systems and units were installed on it:
a fundamentally new sighting system, which includes new optics with hydrostabilizers;
computing complex for sight model PrVk;
a navigation complex that worked on the principle of electronic display;
night vision system.
All these systems and innovations made it possible to use the helicopter at any time of the day and for a long time. The night target detection system makes it possible to carry out targeted fire in complete darkness. The helicopter is equipped with guided weapons, namely missiles different types. Laser equipment allows you to calculate the exact distance to the target. In addition to all this, the vehicle is equipped with small arms of movable and fixed types. Flight along the route can be carried out using an autopilot in a semi-automatic type; this system will relieve the workload of pilots and give more time for aiming and fire.
To effectively use night vision devices, the helicopter is equipped with special lighting equipment both inside and outside the cabin. By using night vision goggles, pilots can detect objects while using minimal lighting. This device operates in a special wave range, namely from 640 to 900 nm.
When using a night vision system, pilots receive the following benefits:
the ability to control the situation on the ground from a height of 50−200 meters;
can distinguish between enemy equipment and navigate using ground objects such as roads or rivers;
in addition to piloting, it is possible to land and take off the vehicle from areas that do not have lighting;
the ability to conduct patrols or rescue operations in pitch darkness.
The designers of the Mi-35M helicopter thought through and improved its flight and technical characteristics. Due to the design and streamlined shape of the fuselage, the vehicle has excellent aerodynamic properties. A completely new and higher quality support system was developed for this device. The main rotor has been completely redesigned and equipped with a new, more efficient airfoil. The main rotor blades are made of new composite materials, due to this the blades have become lighter without losing their strength and reliability. In practice, the new blades were even more survivable and durable in combat conditions than the previous ones.
The propeller bushing was replaced with a more progressive and reliable one, which had an elastomer hinge. This bushing design does not require constant lubrication and is made of titanium. The tail rotor has a two-tier arrangement and consists of four blades, which are controlled by a torsion bar system. The new tail rotor also requires less lubricants than was necessary for previous machines.
This type of propellers and the materials used improved the flight qualities of the machine, namely, the maneuverability of the device increased, and at the same time the helicopter became quieter during flight. The main rotor blades are of such high quality and tenacity that they make it possible to continue flight even after being hit by a 30 mm caliber projectile. Both propellers are equipped with a heating system that prevents them from icing.
The helicopter's power plant is manufactured using the latest technologies and developments in the industry. The Mi-35M is equipped with two reinforced VK-2500 engines. They make it possible to fly at high altitudes and land and take off in such conditions. Resource power plant The Mi-35M is very large and can last up to 60 thousand flight hours. This engine can also be used for high temperatures air. Even if one of the two engines fails, you can continue to fly safely on one engine.
In the manufacture of the power plant, the designers used heat-resistant materials. The engine operation is controlled by an automatic system. The compressor disc was strengthened, which led to greater endurance. All these innovations led to the fact that the gas in front of the turbine became warmer, which, in turn, increased the speed of the turbocharger. In case of an emergency or emergency situation the engine has special operating modes that allow you to safely operate the machine even if one of the power plant units breaks down.
The Mi-35M differs from its predecessor in having shortened wings on which holders for weapons are located. APU type launch systems can be installed on the wings, which are used to attach missiles. The vehicle's short wings allow it to transport loads that are attached specifically to the wings of the vehicle. In addition, the wings are equipped with systems that can lift loads.
This machine has systems that reduce the load on the entire body of the machine during takeoff and landing. Due to the controlled front strut, the Mi-35M helicopter can carry out independently controlled movement on the ground and change the ground clearance angle when loading. The helicopter's landing gear is not retractable, which makes the vehicle safer when flying at low altitudes, as well as during emergency landings.
As a result, we can say that the Mi-35M combat helicopter is a very high-quality and reliable machine. All this was achieved through the tremendous work of experienced designers and the use of the latest advances in technology and electronics.
Technical characteristics of the Mi-38M
Crew: 2 (3)
Passenger capacity: 8
Load capacity: 2400 kg
Length: 17.49 m
Main rotor diameter: 17.2 m
Tail rotor diameter: 3.84 m
Height: 4.16 m
Empty weight: 8360 kg
Normal take-off weight: 10900 kg
Maximum take-off weight: 11500 kg
Powerplant: 2 × TVaD “Klimov” VK-2500-02
Power: 2 × 2200 hp (takeoff mode); 2 × 1500 hp (cruise)
Flight characteristics of the Mi-38M
Maximum speed: 300 km/h
Cruising speed: 260 km/h
Combat radius: 450 km
Ferry range: up to 1000 km with external tanks
Static ceiling: 3150 m
Dynamic ceiling: 5100 m
Armament of the Mi-38M
Small arms and cannon: fixed movable cannon mount NPPU-24 with a double-barreled gun GSh-23L of 23 mm caliber
Suspension points: 4
Weapon options (depending on the mission):
Anti-tank missiles: "Shturm-V" or "Ataka-M"
Unguided missiles: 2 or 4 B8V20-A blocks with S-8 missiles of 80 mm caliber
Outboard cannon armament: 2 UPK-23-250 containers with GSh-23L cannons
The Mi-35 is a modernized version of the Mi-24 helicopter. This attack helicopter is produced both for the needs Russian Ministry of Defense, and for export.
The main tasks assigned to this combat vehicle are:
- destruction of enemy armored vehicles;
- fire support for ground and airborne units;
- evacuation of the wounded and sick;
- transportation of goods in the cabin and using an external sling.
Features of the Mi-35
The development of this combat vehicle began in 1968, and its final appearance was formed only in 1973. At its core, the Mi-35 is export version attack multi-purpose helicopter Mi-24. From a constructive point of view, the great advantage of the helicopter was the unification of many of its components with those used in the Mi-8 and Mi-14.
The characteristics that the Mi-35 possesses fully justify the fact that it is often called a “flying infantry fighting vehicle.” The fact is that from the very beginning the crew was equipped with flight armored helmets and body armor, the cockpit windshield and crew seats were armored, local armor plates were installed on the engine hoods and on the sides of the cabin.
The stability of the helicopter at speeds exceeding 200 km/h is ensured by the fact that a wing with a negative sweep of -12° was installed on it. To increase the efficiency of directional control, a pulling tail rotor is used. All this made it possible to increase the speed of the car to 300 km/h.
Helicopter armament
The armament equipped with the helicopter also fully justifies the title of a flying infantry fighting vehicle. In particular, from the very first days of its existence the following were installed on it:
- Phalanga-M missiles with a manual control system;
- machine gun mount NUV-1 with machine gun A - 12.7;
- beam holders for NUR or free-falling bombs.
Subsequently, the armament of the combat vehicle was improved due to the fact that a USPU-24 machine gun mount with a YakB-12.7 machine gun, which has a rate of fire of 4,500 rounds per minute, appeared on board, and missile system"Phalanx-P".
Design
Flight and combat characteristics The helicopter's performance is largely ensured by the successful formula used in its design. The Mi-35 was created in accordance with the classic single-rotor design, has a five-blade three-hinge main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor. The retractable landing gear consists of three legs, with the front leg being steerable.
The double cabin, intended for the crew, is made in tandem and is located in the bow of the vehicle. A separate front cabin is designed for the gunner-operator. The pilot's cabin, located in the background, is raised 0.3 m above the front cabin to ensure ease of viewing. The flight mechanic is located on a folding seat installed in the equipment compartment located behind the cockpit. Both crew cabins are sealed and have a heating and ventilation system. They maintain a low level of excess pressure, which prevents the entry of contaminated air in a combat situation.
The safety of the vehicle and personnel is ensured by armoring using steel plates:
- cockpits;
- drive boxes;
- engine oil tanks;
- gearboxes;
- hydraulic tank;
- the pilot's seat, which has a folding armored backrest and an armored headrest;
- partitions between cabins.
Moreover, the windshields are also armored, with windshield wipers installed to provide visibility.
The central part of the fuselage includes:
- a cargo compartment capable of accommodating eight paratroopers;
- the rear cone-shaped part, where the equipment and niches for cleaning the main landing gear are located.
To ensure stable speed and stability during forward motion, the rotor axis is simultaneously tilted 4.5° forward and 2.5° to the right.
Instrumentation
The helicopter has modern instrumentation that increases the accuracy of the use of weapons installed on board and provides orientation for the crew.
In particular, round-the-clock detection and identification of objects at a distance exceeding 4 km is ensured using night vision devices, as well as an IRTV-44 MGH thermal imaging surveillance system. The accuracy of determining the current coordinates of the combat vehicle is guaranteed by the modern satellite navigation system GPS 115L GARMIN.
Thus, the Mi-35 helicopter is a well-armed and reliable combat vehicle capable of performing a variety of tasks in combat conditions.
Video about Mi-35
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Mi-35 - multi-role attack helicopter, "flying infantry fighting vehicle", developed at Mil Design Bureau. The helicopter is an export version of the Mi-24V multi-role attack helicopter. Helicopters were supplied to many countries around the world. In 1999, Rostvertol developed a program for modernizing these helicopters. In 2000, four helicopters for the Zimbabwe Armed Forces were modernized under this program.
As a result of modernization, helicopters are equipped with night vision devices Russian production. Installation of the new thermal imaging surveillance system IRTV-445MGH makes it possible to detect and recognize objects at a distance of more than 4 km around the clock. Satellite navigation system GPS115L GARMIN with the VPS-200 interface unit, installed on modernized helicopters, ensures the determination of the current coordinates of the helicopter and navigation flight parameters when working in the GPS system, as well as the output of navigation data to the screen of the video monitor of the surveillance system and recording of information on videotape.
As PRIME-TASS previously reported, the Mi-35 and Mi-35P helicopters (designation for the domestic market are Mi-24V and Mi-24D, respectively), mass-produced by Rostvertol, are intended for the destruction of armored vehicles, fire support for ground forces units, and airborne troops. and evacuation of the wounded, as well as transportation of cargo in the cabin and on an external sling.
Both helicopters are equipped with 2 TVZ-117VMA engines with a power of 2225 hp. each, providing a maximum and cruising speed of 320 and 280 km per hour, respectively, with a normal flight range of 450 km. Normal ferry flight range is 1000 km. Take-off weight - 11.2 tons, maximum - 11.5 tons. Static ceiling - 1750 m, dynamic - 4500 m. Crew - 2 people.
The armament of the combat version of the Mi-35P and Mi-35 helicopters includes a complex of anti-tank guided missiles "Sturm-V" (up to 8 9M114 missiles with a cumulative warhead), S-8 unguided missiles of 80 mm caliber and S-24 240 mm caliber, gondola with suspended small arms and cannon weapons in various options(9-A-629 machine gun 12.7 mm caliber; 2 9-A-622 machine guns 7.62 mm caliber; 9-A-800 grenade launcher 30 mm caliber), as well as a bomb (bombs weighing from 50 to 500 kg) and mine (KMGU-2 container) weapons.
The Mi-35P combat helicopter, which is a modification of the Mi-35 helicopter, differs from it in that instead of a built-in mobile 9-A-624 machine gun mount of 12.7 mm caliber, a fixed gun mount GSh-30 of 30 mm caliber is located on the right side of the forward part of the fuselage .
The Mi-35P and Mi-35 helicopters can also be used in an airborne transport version (8 paratroopers with mine weapons/, a transport version with an external sling with a payload capacity of 2.4 tons. In addition, the Mi-35P has a sanitary version (2 recumbent and 2 seated wounded accompanied by a medical worker).
Flight performance
Video
Created in the USSR, percussion and transport helicopter Mi-24 for unusual shape nicknamed the crocodile, formed the basis of the armed forces of many friendly states, although according to the NATO classification it is Hind - “Doe”. However, it did not last long; the rapid development of new types of weapons and on-board electronics required the creation new technology. The modernized version of the helicopter created at the Mil Design Bureau under the designation Mi-35 became just such a machine.
The vehicle has retained the versatility and reliability of its predecessor and can be used as a combat, transport or ambulance helicopter. The production and modernization of early models of equipment is carried out by the Rosvertol Corporation plant located in Rostov-on-Don.
History of creation
The development of an improved version of the Mi-24V attack vehicle began at the end of the last century. The goal of the work was to increase the competitiveness of the helicopter in foreign markets. New option The 24V machine received the designation Mi-35, and for the modified version 24D the Mi-35P index began to be used. Moreover, such machines were not intended for supply to the domestic market.
In 2000, under the modernization program for this helicopter, the first machines were modified, which were subsequently delivered to the Zimbabwean Air Force. During the finalization, much attention was paid to improving the electronic equipment. Helicopters began to use night vision devices and thermal imaging target detectors capable of detecting objects at a distance of up to 4000 m.
The onboard weapons operator sees objects around the Mi-35 vehicle in a sector of 240 degrees, which increases the likelihood of hitting targets.
For orientation, a satellite navigation system is used with information displayed on a separate multifunction screen. Additional equipment allows the helicopter to operate from unprepared sites at any time of the day and under various weather conditions.
In the 90s, a project for a modified version of the Mi-24VM appeared, which was exported as the Mi-35M. The prototype of the new car appeared in 1995, but testing took almost 10 years. Helicopters of the Mi-35M model are supplied to the domestic market - for Russian army at least 60 units delivered.
Helicopters are well supplied abroad - in addition to a number of CIS countries (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan), the aircraft are available in the air forces of countries South America and the Middle East. The plant is working on the creation of further modifications - the Mi-35M2 and M3, differing in weapons and on-board electronics. A sample of the helicopter was demonstrated at the MAKS-2017 exhibition.
Design
The key difference of the Mi-35M attack helicopter is the use of a fixed landing gear with enhanced shock absorption and attachment points. This decision was dictated by the specifics of using a helicopter - carrying out attacks from low altitudes. If damaged, the Mi-24 pilots often did not have time to release the struts, and the machine was destroyed when it fell.
The Mi-35 vehicles use a wing with a reduced span, which has two weapons suspension points.
The decision somewhat reduced the transportable arsenal, but had a positive effect on the aerodynamics of the helicopter. Early production of the helicopter used turboshaft units of the TV3-117V model, which were produced in Ukraine. Soon their place was taken by Russian analogues of the VK-2500-II, developed at the Klimov Design Bureau.
In fact, the new engines represent a development of the TV3-117V model and provide power up to 2700 hp. in a short-term emergency mode. In normal operation, Mi-35 engines develop 1,500 hp. According to pilots, the tonality of the engines is different, despite the unified design.
The Mi-35 hydraulics have a duplicate design, supplemented by an auxiliary circuit. The helicopter control is powered from the main system, the auxiliary system is used to operate the damper in the control system. The helicopter has a pneumatic system equipped with an individual compressor. Compressed air is used to operate the brakes on the main landing gear, seal the cockpit and cargo compartment door openings, and supply antifreeze to the cockpit windshields.
The fuel supply on the Mi-35 is in five internal tanks with a total capacity of 2165 liters. Fuel is supplied directly to the engines from individual supply tanks. All tanks are connected to each other by highways and equipped with transfer pumps. Additional tanks are located on external suspensions under the wings. The engines and main gearbox are equipped with individual lubrication systems with separate consumable tanks.
The Mi-35 helicopter was equipped with an improved main rotor with blades made of composite materials. To improve efficiency and increase service life, a modified automatic skewing mechanism and wear-resistant bearings have been introduced. The tail rotor of the machine is made according to the traditional X-shaped pattern for modern helicopters and has blades made of composite material.
Helicopter rotors, cockpit windshields and engine air inlet ducts are equipped with an electrically powered de-icing system. The engine inlet channels are equipped with warm air blowing, the compressors are heated with hot oil.
On the Mi-35 the crew consists of two people - the commander and the pilot-operator.
According to some reports, the Mi-35M may have a third crew member – an on-board technician. To protect the crew, elements of the power plant, critical components of the hydraulic system and the main gearbox of the propeller drive, steel plates up to 5 mm thick are installed. Armored glass is installed in the cabins and doors.
The cockpit is pressurized. To ensure comfortable conditions, an air conditioning system is used, which includes the crew cabin and cargo compartment. Based on the Mi-35P version, there is an ambulance capable of transporting two lying and two sitting wounded, as well as an accompanying person. It is allowed to transport troops consisting of eight people. The transport version is capable of transporting 2400 kg of cargo on internal and external slings.
On board the Mi-35M helicopter there is a fire extinguishing system that uses freon. Fire extinguishers are installed in the engine compartments, near the main gearbox, in the area where consumable tanks and additional installations are installed. Additional extinguishing agents are available in the cockpit and in the cargo compartment of the vehicle.
In the nose of the Mi-35M helicopter there is a fixed shooting point NPPU-23, equipped with a remote-controlled 23 mm GSh-23L cannon. The ammunition is located inside the installation and includes 450 shells installed in belts. Distinctive feature The guns have two barrels, which increases firepower. The gun is used to combat armored ground and air targets at short and medium distances.
To reduce the negative effect of recoil and remove the flow of powder gases, a localizer is used. In the future, it is planned to install a GSh-23V gun equipped with a liquid cooling system. A vehicle with similar weapons will be designated Mi-35M2.
On the Mi-35P version, a fixed GSh-30 cannon with a caliber of 30 mm is installed on the right fairing of the nose fuselage.
Four suspension points allow combat load weighing 1500 kg. Helicopters can use free-flying S-13 or S-8 missiles mounted in guide blocks.
Due to the different caliber (122 and 80 mm, respectively), the number of blocks for missiles is either two or four, respectively. Experimental flights of vehicles with S-24 missiles with a caliber of 240 mm were carried out. To combat armored vehicles, guided systems “Sturm-V” or “Ataka-M” are used.
In total, there can be up to eight such missiles on board. It is possible to install two additional containers with GSh-23L double-barreled guns. Each container contains 500 rounds of ammunition. The Mi-35M2 variant is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles that are part of the Igla-V complex.
Flight performance and use in combat
The comparison table shows that, despite the heaviest weight in its class of helicopters, the Russian machine is second only to the Denel AH-2 in terms of range. But the South African car is limited to just 12 units, so it can't be considered a serious contender.
| Parameter | Mi-35M | Denel AH-2 | McDonnell AH-64D Apache |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | Russia | South Africa | USA |
| Length, mm | 17490 | 18730 | 17760 |
| Height, mm | 4160 | 5185 | 4660 |
| Main screw diameter, mm | 17200 | 15580 | 14630 |
| Tail rotor diameter, mm | 3840 | 6355 | 2790 |
| Weight limit, kg | 11500 | 8750 | 9525 |
| Power of the power plant at takeoff, hp | 2*2200 | 2*1845 | 2*1695 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 300 | 309 | 365 |
| Combat radius, km | 550 | 704 | 482 |
| Ferry range, km | 1000 (with external tanks) | 1260 | 1899 |
| Ceiling, m | up to 5400 | up to 6100 | 4465 |
| Crew, people | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Load capacity | 2400 kg or 8 people. | 2032 kg | 771 kg |
The AH-2 helicopters use a 20 mm cannon, which has a significant (700 rounds) ammunition load. The 30 mm M230 cannon used on the Apache also has an expanded (up to 1200 pieces) supply of ammunition. The Russian Mi-35 can counter foreign analogues hanging containers with small arms. Scroll missile weapons on helicopters it is similar, it includes unguided and guided missiles designed to combat ground targets.
Due to the small number of vehicles built, it is used to a limited extent in military conflicts. The first loss of a combat Mi-35M occurred due to insufficient qualifications of the crew and erroneous operation of the radar. In early autumn 2012, a helicopter crashed into a mountainside in Dagestan.
The first relatively combat experience in using equipment was patrolling the border zones of Russia and Ukraine, carried out during the annexation of Crimea. Mi-35M helicopters entered into real combat during the fight against Islamic terrorists in Iraq. In mid-2014, two vehicles were destroyed by ground fire, killing both crews.
Iraqi helicopter pilots have killed several dozen terrorists. The vehicles are used by the Russian Aerospace Forces in combat operations in Syria. To date, the loss of two Russian helicopters.
The complex of improvements carried out allowed us to breathe life into the aging Crocodile.
In addition, the company continues to modernize its equipment. The downside is the meager funding and the simultaneous production of the Mi-28N helicopter, which requires resources for further development. Despite the difficulties, the plant team is bringing Mi-35 vehicles to new markets.
So, in 2017, Pakistan, Mali and Nigeria received the first cars. This year, deliveries of the Mi-35 to these countries will continue. In 2018, it is planned to transfer 12 to Uzbekistan. These facts indicate that Mil Design Bureau equipment continues to be in demand on the global arms market.
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