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2020-10-15

Russian Helicopters Showcases Strength at Army 2020

Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) demonstrated a wide range of military helicopters at the International Military-Technical Forum “Army-2020” that took place in the Moscow region from August 23 to 29.

The holding company’s static exposition in the Patriotic Park of Recreation and Leisure “Patriot” included upgraded transport and military helicopters Mi-35P and Mi-35M, Ka-226T light multipurpose helicopter, and Mi-171Sh military and transport helicopter with increased attack capabilities and improved protection.

At the Kubinka airfield, guests and participants of the forum got to see Mi-28NE “Night Hunter” attack helicopter, the ship-based Ka-52K “Alligator” helicopter, Mi-17V-5 military and transport helicopter, the modernised Mi-26T2V heavy transport helicopter, and the most modern Mi-38T transport helicopter. The company also presented its civilian products: Mi-38 passenger helicopter with a comfortable cabin, and a medical version of Ansat helicopter.

Besides, in the demonstration centre of Rostec State Corporation, Russian Helicopters’ exposition included a mobile service centre unit, which is a 20-feet container with equipment for maintenance and repair of Mi-8/17 helicopters and the new fully composite rotor blades designed to increase the maximum speed of Mi-28 and Mi-35 combat helicopters. The blade has a sword-like edge, which improves a helicopter’s performance. Moreover, the blade possesses modern aerodynamic characteristics and elastic composition; it is manufactured using the technology of one-stage compression moulding. It was tested as part of the flying laboratory of a new high-speed helicopter concept. The new rotor blades are currently undergoing factory flight tests on a Mi-28N helicopter.

Unique Strike Capabilities

The Russian Helicopters holding company for the first time presented the upgraded Mi-171SH “Storm” military transport helicopter at the event. The helicopter, featuring enhanced protection and unique strike capabilities, was manufactured at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.

The first flying prototype of the helicopter was demonstrated at the forum. The presentation also included the IBKV-17VP “glass cockpit” avionics suite and model of the new target sight system.

Upgraded Mi-171Sh provides superior level of protection for both the crew and transported troops, thanks to titanium and kevlar armour protection, and the vehicle’s strike capabilities have been expanded to include guided missile weapons.

Mi-171Sh is equipped with upgraded engines, new rotor system with an improved profile composite main rotor and X-shaped tail rotor, as well as latest version of the President-S on-board aircraft defence system. The armouring effectively protects the crew and most parts of the helicopter, as well as the troop compartment.

In addition, the helicopter comes with improved armament, including 12.7 mm calibre machine guns and modern guided missile weapons with the OPS-24N-1L target sight system, which allows to engage against various ground and air targets.

Elevated Mi-35P

At the event, Russian Helicopters announced that it has launched serial production of the upgraded Mi-35P attack helicopter at the Rostvertol plant. The first serial model completed its type-specific flight tests, receiving confirmation of the declared performance characteristics and implemented changes in its design. An upgraded version was demonstrated at the event.

During the tests, taking place on the premises of Rostvertol and the National Helicopter Center Мil&Kamov, Mi-35P performed a number of flights using new weapons and onboard equipment. The tests resulted into finalisation of the helicopter’s design documentation, confirming the model’s readiness for mass production.

The upgraded Mi-35P is equipped with an upgraded target sight system with 3rd generation long-wave matrix thermal imaging, a high-resolution colour TV camera and a laser rangefinder. The helicopter also comes with modern 3+ generation night vision goggles and a set of external and internal lighting equipment adapted for the use with them. New digital flight control system improves the controllability and stability of the helicopter and provides automation of piloting processes to support the pilot.

Mi-35P is armed with a mobile 23 mm twin-barrelled cannon and S-8 rockets and can be refitted with suspended containers with 23 mm cannons, S-13 rockets, Ataka ATGM’s with a twin-channel control system, with Vikhr-1 or Vikhr-1M guided missiles.

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