Russia Tests Mi-24P Hind Helo in Helicopter-killer Role

Russian Central Military recently tested Mi-24P Hind rotorcraft in helicopter-killer role during night tactical flight exercises in Ural's Kurgan region.

"Six 'enemy' helicopters carried out reconnaissance of the area of the troops deployment in order to detect and destroy command posts and fire weapons. The crews of Mi-24P attack helicopters, that were on duty, flew over the terrain using night vision goggles and discovered the hidden movement of the air group of the simulated enemy. The pilots of Mi-24P helicopters performed dynamic maneuvering at extremely low altitudes, about 60 meters, worked out the techniques of night air combat: slides, carousels, horizontal scissors, and destroyed the air group," Russian defense ministry said in a statement August 15.

The exercise was peculiar due to the use of night vision goggles by Mi-24P crews which allowed them to navigate the terrain, conduct aerial reconnaissance and air combat, without turning on the onboard lighting equipment.

Last year the Russian Helicopters holding company announced that the modernized version of Mi-35P (Mi-35P is the export version of Mi-24P) had been offered to the African countries. According to the company, the helicopter has received new engines, the new sighting and navigation system, and more weapons. Weapons system onboard the helicopter were reportedly optimized.