MOSCOW, Nov 10 - RIA Novosti. The promising "airborne combat vehicle" will carry a multifunctional combat buggy, representatives of the Ryazan Airborne School and the Military Institute of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation reported in the magazine "Arsenal of the Fatherland".
During the Zapad-2021 strategic exercises, Sarmat combat buggies were used, which were transported by Mi-8AMTSh transport and assault helicopters both in cabins and on an external suspension. During maneuvers, buggies were used as part of airborne assault units as light fire support vehicles. Such a buggy can be armed with a heavy machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher and is capable of carrying up to 600 kilograms of cargo.
A "flying BMD" means a helicopter capable of effectively transferring troops and having sufficient armor and weapons to provide fire support, including with the use of precision guided missiles, to the landing units.
As sources in the military-industrial complex previously reported to RIA Novosti, a new Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter, which is a deep modernization of the Mi-8AMTSh, is being considered as a "flying BMD" for the Russian Airborne Troops today.
Flight tests of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN began in the summer of 2020. The machine was developed at the Mil Design Bureau, taking into account the experience of local conflicts. The helicopter received a new engine and main rotor, as well as new sighting and navigation equipment, which allows the use of weapons in difficult weather conditions and at night. The cabin of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN is protected by titanium armor, the transport compartment where the troops are to be transported is covered with light aramid armor, and the helicopter is also equipped with an onboard defense system.
The Mi-8AMTSh-VN received an expanded armament. It includes machine guns, cannons in suspended containers, unguided missiles, bombs and a guided missile system with a sighting system that allows you to fight ground and air targets. In particular, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN is capable of using guided missiles "Attack" and "product 305".