Back in the XX century, Soviet and Russian-made helicopters mastered the airspace in dozens of countries around the world. The advantages of domestic machines are a successful combination of price and quality, as well as unique tactical and technical data. According to the Iranian publication Hamshahri, it is the helicopters of the design bureaus "Mile" and "Kamova" that are the best in the history of aircraft technology.
The first place in the rating was taken by the Mi-24 Crocodile transport and combat helicopter and its modifications, these machines took part in 40 military conflicts, including in Afghanistan, which made it the most recognizable domestic combat helicopter.
"Soviet engineers designed it in such a way that it was a cross between an actual aircraft and an infantry fighting vehicle. In addition to equipping various weapons and strengthening armor, the helicopter could deliver up to a dozen infantry soldiers to the place of combat operations, as well as provide fire support for the infantry," the publication reports.The translation of the article was published by the portal "InoSMI".
In NATO, the helicopter received the designation Hind - "Doe", but the Soviet pilots called the Mi-24 "Crocodile"for booking, high speed and powerful weapons. For comparison: the helicopter can carry weapons with a total weight of 2,400 kilograms, and the ammunition of the T-72 tank weighs less than a ton.
The specialists gave the third and third places to the Mi-28N "Night Hunter" and the Ka-52 "Alligator". These attack helicopters are designed to destroy targets and cannot transfer infantry. But, according to experts, they are capable of performing combat tasks at any time of the day and in any weather conditions, and are equipped with an automatic cannon capable of producing from 200 to 800 rounds per minute.
The Mi-8 helicopter is a transport helicopter, but it is also capable of performing combat tasks, including supporting fire. It can also be used as a mobile airborne command post and carry out aerial reconnaissance.
"The mass production of Mi-8 helicopters began a long time ago, back in 1967, but it remains in production until now - this is a case in the history of aircraft construction when an aircraft continues to be produced for such a long period," the publication says.
The Mi-26 helicopter was included in the list, as it is the most load-lifting helicopter in the world and can carry up to 20 tons of cargo on an external suspension.
Nikolay Grishchenko
