Mi-26NE Attack Helicopter Upgraded with New Missiles, Networked Communication

Russian Helicopters has upgraded its Mi-26NE attack helicopters with new missiles and networked communication.

The modernized Mi-28NE helicopter can interact with drones and operate them remotely. Improvements were primarily related to armaments. The helicopter is being presented at the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2018, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

The "Night Hunter" has the new Khrizantema-M anti-tank missile with a dual guidance system. Using this missile will increase the tank-type target engagement range to 10 km. The helicopter is also fitted with the modernized Ataka guided missiles with laser guidance. It can also use aerial bombs weighing up to 500 kg.

"Modernization involved engine power and blades, which improved aircraft performance in highland regions and in hot climates, increased the cruising speed of the machine and its capabilities in terms of advanced aerobatics. A larger tailplane improved the controllability of the helicopter. New armaments installed on the machine will increase its firepower, and the fact that the aircraft can be used in more fields will mean that it will be in greater demand on the market," said Anatoly Serdyukov, Industrial Director, Aviation Cluster of Rostec State Corporation.

In addition, the new Mi-28NE helicopter can interact with drones and operate them remotely, as it has special means of communication.

"We are constantly improving military helicopters because the requirements of our customers change, and we always aim to meet them. Due to the experience of using Mi-28 machines during military operations we knew how to further develop this project. The modernization considerably increased the capabilities of Mi-28NE helicopters and offered us new prospects in terms of exports," noted Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Russian Helicopters.

The Mi-28N attack helicopter (the export version is Mi-28NE) is designed for fire support of forward ground troops, motorized infantry and tanks. The "Night Hunter" helicopter has enhanced armor and greater combat survivability. It also has a complex of modern high-precision guided and unguided weapons.

The blades of the Mi-28N main rotor are made of composite materials, which mean that a flight can still be completed safely if they are hit by shells of 20 to 30 mm. The fuel system is designed in such that fuel can neither explode nor burn. The Mi-28N helicopter is one of the first Russian helicopters to be fitted with modern means of communication and digital avionics.