Image source: topwar.ru
During a special military operation, the crews of Mi-8 helicopters of the Ukrainian Air Force are suffering heavy losses. This is reported by the American TV channel CNN.
According to American correspondents, the main threat to Ukrainian helicopters is the portable anti-aircraft missile systems of Russian units. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with their help easily shoot down Ukrainian air vehicles.
The helicopters of the Sikorsky Aviation Brigade make three sorties per day for each car. But the brigade is suffering heavy losses. Although the Ukrainian command prohibits the dissemination of information about the exact number of losses of the Armed Forces, it can be assumed that the situation with losses in helicopter units is really very serious.
- CNN reports.
In order to protect themselves from MANPADS, Ukrainian helicopters are forced to operate at a very low altitude. Sometimes, correspondents report, they even touch trees.
Losses in helicopter units are also related to the fact that helicopters of this type used by the AFU do not have an armored cockpit and enhanced protection of the pilot. After all, at one time they were converted from transport helicopters by equipping them with missile launchers.
In addition, such missiles do not have complex guidance systems, so the accuracy of shooting also raises questions. In fact, the effectiveness of the use of missiles depends on the luck and experience of a particular crew.
The interference system for repelling attacks on the helicopters themselves is also very poorly developed. At one time, such means of protection were installed on the Mi-8, CNN emphasizes, but they are already outdated. One of the helicopter pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine admits that these systems hardly work even at 2%.
