The first multi-purpose Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters, designed primarily for landing and fire support of special purpose units, have been received by the troops.
- The first cars have already been accepted. According to the two signed contracts, helicopters should come to the troops in 2021-2022, a source in the military-industrial complex told RIA Novosti. He refused to name the number of vehicles received by the troops, citing secrecy requirements. The agency also does not have an official confirmation of this information.
The Mi-8AMTSh-VN is the latest modification of a multi-purpose army helicopter, created taking into account the Syrian experience and absorbed a number of new engineering solutions that improved combat effectiveness and survivability. Significantly increased the protection of the crew and landing - due to the removable Kevlar armor installed under the cabin and cargo compartment. The new version of the Mi-8 is equipped with the President-S defense system: it detects and classifies missiles fired at the helicopter and, depending on their type, either shoots off heat traps or interferes with the homing head of the missiles.
The maximum take-off weight of the car increased to 13.5 tons, the flight speed increased to 280 km / h. A powerful winch allows you to lift up to four people at the same time. By the way, during the Zapad-2021 exercises, the Mi-8, in addition to special forces, delivered a combat buggy to the place of operation - on an external suspension. It is expected that this feature will become a regular feature in AMTSH-VN.
The most noticeable changes have occurred in the armament of the helicopter. It has increased significantly with a clear focus on the fire support of special forces. The vehicle carries four machine guns - three of them large-caliber - providing circular firing, cannon containers, NAR blocks and guided anti-tank missiles, for which the helicopter is equipped with a sighting system.
Anton Valagin
