General Director of the Russian Helicopters holding Company, part of the Rostec State Corporation" Andrey Boginsky said that the first batch of the latest Mi-8AMTSh-VN transport and attack helicopters will be delivered to the troops this year.
"Delivery of the first batch of cars this year until November 10. The next batch is scheduled to be delivered in 2022. We are provided with an order on this topic for the current and next year, " Boginsky told TASS at the MAKS-2021 air show in Zhukovsky, near Moscow.
He said that a new locator is being installed on this helicopter, which "will increase the range of detection and recognition of targets. Plus, it will be more accurate and at longer distances to determine weather formations."
It is known that the Mi-8AMTSh-VN was developed in a special version, and the experience of combat operations involving rotorcraft in Syria was taken into account during the development. Unlike other versions, two 12.7 mm machine guns were installed on its special suspension. The crew cabin and the main components of the helicopter are protected by new titanium alloy armor. Half of the cargo cabin and the sides of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN were covered up to the level of the portholes with removable lightweight Kevlar armor. It protects the transported troops and cargo from shelling from the ground.
To increase combat survivability, this car was equipped with a digital autopilot and an on-board defense system. It automatically detects the launch of missiles at the helicopter, interferes with their guidance heads and emits false thermal targets.
The Mi-8AMTSh - VN helicopter was equipped with new flight and navigation equipment, a gyro-stabilized optoelectronic system, a searchlight with an infrared emitter, and dual-band lighting equipment. And this car is also adapted for the use of night vision glasses.
Yuri Gavrilov
