Mi-28 attack helicopters destroyed armored vehicles of the Ukrainian army with guided missiles. The combat operation of these rotorcraft in Ukraine was shown by the Russian Defense Ministry.
Mi-28 attack helicopters successfully perform combat missions in Ukraine. These highly maneuverable rotorcraft, created according to the concept of an "air tank", perform a wide range of tasks.
The footage, which was shown by the Russian military department, shows how a pair of "Night Hunters" take off from the airfield and go on a sortie. The tasks of destroying armored vehicles were carried out by attack helicopters Mi-28N (night) and Mi-28UB (combat training). The air strike was carried out by guided missiles from a distance of about 5 kilometers. Thanks to the means of objective control, which are installed in helicopters, it can be seen that the missiles accurately hit the targets without entering the zone of destruction of the enemy's air defense means. Judging by the footage, the return of the helicopters to the base took place late in the evening. This means that the helicopters went out on a so-called night hunt, destroying targets at dusk.
Interestingly, the Mi-28UB combat training helicopter was used in the task. This is a combat training modification of the Mi-28N attack helicopter. First of all, it was created for the training of pilots. The Mi-28UB differs from the Mi-28N in that it has a dual control set. That is, the helicopter can be fully controlled from any cabin. At the same time, the combat training helicopter retains all strike capabilities and can be used in real combat operations. And there are a lot of opportunities for this combat vehicle, which is in the hands of an experienced pilot.
The concept of an "air tank" suggests that in addition to the super maneuverability of the machine, it should also become a kind of flying transformer on which various weapons can be installed. "Night Hunter" can be called a helicopter with a difficult fate. Its development began since the late 60s of the last century, and the first sample of the Mi-28 was assembled in July 1982. The tasks of the attack helicopter included the support of ground forces and amphibious assault, the destruction of manpower, ground armored vehicles and low-speed air targets. During the tests, the helicopter performed well and confirmed its flight and technical characteristics. In the early 90s, a modified Mi-28 helicopter was developed, which received the letter "N" (night). The machine could perform combat missions not only during the day, but also at night, as well as in almost any weather. In addition, it is made quite easy to operate and repair.
The advantage of the Mi-28 was its super maneuverability and survivability. This is the only helicopter that can perform the "dead loop" aerobatics. In addition, he can make "barrels", "slides", fly backwards and sideways.
The "Night Hunter" is protected by highly resistant armor. The armored glazing withstands direct hits of 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullets in the windshields and 7.62 mm bullets in the side windows and door panes. The hull armor withstands the impact of high-explosive shells of 20 mm caliber, and the blades remain operational when hit by 30 mm shells.
The pilot's cabin is separated from the operator's cabin by a 10-mm aluminum armor plate, which minimizes the defeat of both crew members when a small-caliber high-explosive incendiary projectile explodes in one of the cabins.
The striking power of the "Night Hunter" is approximately comparable to that used on Russian Su-25 attack aircraft. Up to 16 anti-tank guided supersonic missiles of the Ataka-VN or Shturm-V complexes or blocks with unguided aviation missiles can be placed on the external suspensions of the attack helicopter. In addition, additional fuel tanks can be installed on the suspension. In the latest modification of the Mi-28 MN, aerial bombs weighing up to 500 kg are also installed on external suspensions. The helicopter is also armed with a 30 mm 2A42 cannon, which is used on infantry fighting vehicles. The use of the gun on the Mi-28N is carried out by the operator, although the pilot can aim with the help of a helmet-mounted target designation system.
During the combat use of the Mi-28N, the group conducts automated distribution of targets and multilateral exchange of information about targets between helicopters and command posts.
Alexander Stepanov
