According to an informed source, the Mi-28NM attack helicopter will be able to take up to four of the latest Product-305 missiles, which will bring it closer to the capabilities of a front-line bomber.
The Product-305 missile should fundamentally change the capabilities of Russian attack helicopters. Many characteristics of the product are still kept secret, but a source in the aircraft industry named the number of missiles that the upgraded Mi-28NM can carry.
"Flight tests of the Product-305 helicopter cruise missiles with a maximum range of 100 kilometers are continuing. The upgraded Mi-28NM "Night Hunter" will be able to carry four such missiles on the external suspension points, " the source said.
This weapon will allow the Mi-28NM to more effectively hit both clusters of manpower and strategically important objects, in particular enemy command posts. Now no other combat rotorcraft in the world has such weapons.
However, it is necessary to clarify: if we talk about anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), then modern attack helicopters are able to take them in much greater numbers. So, the Ka-52 can carry up to 12 "Whirlwind" missiles, and the famous American AH-64-up to 16 Hellfire ATGMs. It is also obvious that, in addition to the Product-305 missiles, the Mi-28NM will be able to carry other weapons.
The Mi-28NM attack helicopter was a development of the Mi-28N. The main visual difference from its predecessor can be called the spherical fairing of the radar station located above the propeller. The front part has undergone significant changes. These and other improvements were made, including based on the extensive experience of using the Mi-28 in Syria.
Mi-28NM
Image source: TASS
In addition to the Mi-28, Russia operates another new attack helicopter — the Ka-52. In the future, it also expects a serious modernization: last year [...], the Ka-52M prototype made its first flight, which, among other things, will be able to use the Product 305 rocket.
Ka-52
Image source: minpromtorg
In the distant future, both of these machines can be replaced by a promising attack helicopter, the appearance of which was shown earlier. It is not known for certain what this machine will be: if you believe the information voiced, it can get a coaxial main rotor, a cabin with the crew members side by side, as well as reduced radar visibility.
The speed of the helicopter can exceed 400 kilometers per hour, which is significantly more than the performance of modern rotorcraft in this category.