The Ethiopian Air Force has lost a fire support helicopter. In the Network there were video frames taken at the site of the fall of the rotorcraft, which almost completely collapsed. The crew of three on board was killed.
The block for launching unguided rocket projectiles lying in the foreground attracts attention.
It is difficult to determine the modification from the smoking wreckage, so it is assumed that it is an Mi-24 or Mi-35.
In the composition of the Air Force of this African state, there were only 18 such shock "turntables" of Soviet production.
Fighters of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray claim that they shot down the "flying tank", but it is not reported what weapons were used.
At the same time, it is possible that the accident occurred not because of the firing of anti-aircraft machine guns, cannons or the hit of a rocket of a portable complex, but because of an error in piloting. In addition, we can not exclude any technical problem.
Since the beginning of the confrontation between the rebel region and the central authorities, the armed forces of the country have been actively using combat aircraft and helicopters, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.
In November last year, it was reported about the destruction of the MiG-23, the pilot of which was captured.
Additional pictures https://t.co/xhPrytDGYc
— Ethiopia Map (@MapEthiopia) April 20, 2021
Alexey Brusilov