MOSCOW, Dec 6 - RIA Novosti. The first Mi-8AMTSh-VN special forces fire support helicopters have already been delivered to the Russian army, a source in the military-industrial complex told RIA Novosti.
The Mi-8AMTSh-VN (Mi-171Sh-VN) is the latest modification of the Mi-8/17 military transport helicopter. It is designed to fire support the actions of special forces.
The technical appearance of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN was formed taking into account the experience of combat use of helicopters, including in Syria. The machine embodies a whole complex of design features that increase the combat effectiveness and survivability of the machine.
Compared to the previous version of the helicopter, thanks to these innovations, the cruising and maximum flight speed have been increased to 280 kilometers per hour, as well as the maximum take-off weight up to 13.5 tons.
The combat survivability of the helicopter has also been increased. The machine is equipped with the President-S defense complex, which automatically detects the launch of missiles by helicopter, interferes with their guidance heads and releases false thermal targets.
To protect the personnel, the crew cabin and cargo cabin are completely covered with removable lightweight Kevlar armor.
A new armament has been installed on the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter. The main feature was that, along with small-gun weapons (for example, UPK-23-250 containers), unguided missiles (B-8B20A) and bombs of various calibers (OFAB-250), the helicopter is equipped with a guided missile system with a sighting system.
In addition to the standard armament, the vehicle is equipped with four machine guns: three 12.7-millimeter "Cord", as well as one 7.62-millimeter KVP machine gun in the tail section of the helicopter.