SAS / SBS in A'stan

Selengkapnya...

Yahont

Forty years ago, on November 22, 1957, following the launch of a P-5 cruise missile from a submarine, the OKB-52 Experimental Design Bureau, today the Machine-Building Research and Production Association (MBR&PA), entered a new stage in its history.

For the first time the missile was fired directly from its container outfitted with short guides. After liftoff, the missile's wings automatically deployed in flight. The new launch method made it possible to eliminate weapon system assembly operations, typical of the P-10 domestically produced missile system and Regulus, its foreign counterpart operational at that time, on board the submarine. By virtue of this engineering innovation, the number of missiles carried by submarines was considerably increased, their maintenance became much simpler and combat readiness of the entire "submarine - weapon" system became higher. It is basically these features that allowed the missile to win a competition between various designs. The system entered service with a group of submarines and became one of the first and powerful weapons capable of performing strategic missions in ocean theaters of operations. Later, the engineering solutions incorporated in the missile system were recognized by domestic and foreign rocket builders as classical, without which one cannot even imagine further development and wide use of cruise missiles by armed forces worldwide.

On the basis of the advanced engineering solutions and other fundamentally new approaches incorporated in the P-5 missile, the MBR&PA developed several generations of cruise missiles which actually made a revolution in Russia's Navy and its armament. All of them featured such unique qualities as supersonic speed and powerful "smart" warheads adequately protected both in flight and on board their platforms. The missiles developed in Moscow suburb of Reutovo were equipping all domestic submarines - antiship missile system carriers - and most of surface fleet combatants, including nuclear-powered cruiser Pyotr Veliky and heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, Russian Navy's flagship.

Major advances in the development of previous-generation weapon systems, combined with the latest scientific and technological achievements made in Russia's defense industry, have enabled the MBR&PA headed by Gerbert Yefremov, General Designer, to start developing the fourth-generation antiship missiles.

The Yakhont-type antiship missile is designed to combat naval surface-ship groupings and single ships under heavy fire and electronic counteraction.

The missile is noted for:
- over-the-horizon range;
- true "fire-and-forget" performance;
- flexible flight path ("low", "high - low");
- supersonic speed at all flight phases;
- multi-platform capability permitting their use by surface ships of all major classes, submarines and ground-based launchers.


Capabilities of the Yakhont antiship missile

1. Preliminary targeting
2. Launch phase
3. Acceleration and ascent
4. High-altitude cruise phase
5. Diving phase
6. Seeker head activation and acquisition of target
7. Descent and low-altitude flight
8. Seeker head repeated activation
and missile homing


The parameters and performance characteristics given in Table 1 have become technically feasible due to the application of an array of unique design solutions and technology-intensive components and, above all, a supersonic ramjet sustainer motor, capable of operating in a broad range of speeds and altitudes, a noise-adaptive radar homing head, and a powerful onboard computer.

In the development of the missile, designers made use of a system approach, where different components, producing different output parameters, were integrated into a complex, well-tuned system capable of accomplishing its dedicated purpose with maximum efficiency. For the missile's capabilities, refer to the Figure.

Due to the Yakhont's short flying time (its speed is 2.5 times greater than the speed of sound) and the long effective range of its seeker head, the targeting of the missile need not be very accurate.

The ability to observe the entire target area from a high altitude, augmented by the enhanced capabilities of the antiship missile control system, make it possible to cue missiles to hostile ships in a group and discriminate false targets.

After launch, Yakhont's early descent to a low altitude, combined with its supersonic speed and seaskimming flight mode in the homing phase, make it possible to avoid detection and tracking of the missile by even the target's most sophisticated air defense systems.

The missiles's compactness and maintainability on board its platform are not the least important factors determining its appearance. First of all it can be explained by the missiles's unique construction unrivaled in terms of the degree of integration of components. Basically, the entire missile - from the nose air intake to the nozzle exit section - is a propulsion plant arranged in an airframe. Except for the intake bullet, where the control system and warhead are arranged, all of the missile's internal spaces, including the ramjet motor air duct, are filled with sustainer motor propellant and accommodate the built-in solid-propellant booster stage. The missile is enclosed in a sealed launch-container. The fact that there is almost no clearance between the missile's fuselage and internal surfaces of the launch-container indicates that the degree of integration of components is very high. The missile size provides for a two- or three-fold increase in the number of the missiles carried on board a platform.

The launch-container is an integral part of the missile system. The missile is dispatched from the manufacturing plant, shipped, stored and delivered to the user in its launch-container ready for use at all times. The missile's systems check-out is made without removing the weapon from its launch-container.
The launch-container, with the missile in it, is very simple to operate and maintain. It requires neither any liquid or gas for maintenance nor specific microclimate for storage and on board its carrier. All this simplifies operation and maintenance procedures and enhances the weapon's reliability.

As the missile's basic features encompass the use of a launch-container, a wide range of launch angles and an advanced firing method which does not require flame deflectors, the missile can easily be blended into the architecture of various platforms. It should be noted here that launchers of different designs can be used: very simple rack launchers intended for installation on low-tonnage vessels of the "guided-missile boat - corvette" class or vertical-launch modular systems designed for installation on large-displacement surface ships, i.e. frigates, destroyers and cruisers.

In addition to the well-known inclined and vertical installation methods applied to submarine- and ground-based antiship missiles, some innovative basing and launching methods have emerged for which Yakhont is quite suitable.

We can say with confidence that no one antiship missile system currently in service elsewhere in the world possesses such an array of unique technical and operational characteristics as Yakhont. Taking into account current trends in the development of the navies in the world, this fact is of paramount importance.
Due to economic reasons, since the early 1990s, most countries have been giving preference in their naval development plans to the procurement and construction of limited-displacement ships.

As a consequence, the requirements for combat effectiveness of their weapons systems have become more exacting and the process of replacing old-generation antiship missiles with new ones, where the first-generation subsonic missiles will be replaced with supersonic systems featuring a longer firing range and higher effectiveness, is associated with this trend and, according to forecasts, is likely to commence at the beginning of the 21st century. We can affirm that, owing to the unique characteristics of the Yakhont missile, even light warships armed with it will be able to perform missions that before could only be handled by large combatants.

Thus, we have good undertakings for the future and all reason to believe that the Yakhont antiship missile system will appear on the foreign market. Operators can rely on this system as it will ensure high operational effectiveness of their warships and security of sea borders.


Basic Characteristics of the Yakhont Antiship Missile System Firing range, km:
mixed trajectory up to
low trajectory 300
120
Speed, M 2 to 2.5
Flight altitude, final phase, m 5 to 15
Weight of warhead, kg about 200
Guidance active-passive,
radar seeker head
Minimum target detection range
in active mode, km 50
Maximum seeker head search angle, deg. ±45
Propulsion plant solid propellant
booster stage;
liquid-propellant
ramjet motor
Launcher type underwater,
surface, ground
Launch method from closed
bottom
launch-container
Launch angle range, deg 15 to 90
Weight, kg:
launch about 3,000
in launch-container about 3,900
Launch-container dimensions, m: |
length
diameter 8.9
0.7 Selengkapnya...

Diesel-Electric Torpedo Submarine 636 Kylo class

D. (tons): 2,350
Speed (kts): 10/21
Dimensions (m): 73.8x9.9x6.3
M./Engine: diesel and electric motors
Diving depth: 300/250/17,5
Range: 400/7'500
Armament:
Missiles: na
Torpedoes: 6/533 mm VA-111 (w: c/nucl) Total: 18

The Project 636 submarines (NATO reporting name: Kylo) are intended to destroy enemy submarines, surface combatant ships and vessels, protect naval bases, sea costs and lanes, carry out reconnaissance and land reconnaissance groups. These submarines were developed from the 877EKM submarines. Designers managed to resolve many problems by increasing the length of the inner hull by two frame spacings (600 mm x 2), thereby increasing the power of diesel-generators and mounting them on improved shock-absorbing support, reducing twofold the main propulsion shaft speed, etc. Owing to these improvements, the submarine speed and sea endurance were increased, while the noise level was radically decreased and other characteristics were improved.
The low noise of the submarine was achieved owing to its streamlined configuration, special anti-sonar rubber coating applied to the outer hull, quiet operating mechanisms and other design improvements.
Blended into natural marine sounds, the submarine is capable of detecting the enemy submarine at a range 3-4 times greater than its own detection and since it possesses powerful and accurate quick-action torpedo weapons, this submarine hits the enemy first in a duel.
To increase its survivability, the submarine is partitioned into six compartments by robust transverse bulkheads. The submarine, featuring a 30 percent buoyancy, can keep afloat, even when one compartment with two adjacent tanks of one side ballast is flooded.
The submarine is powered by a one-shaft power plant operating in a full electrically propelled mode. The main propulsion motor, economic run motor and seven-blade propeller of special design are arranged on the shaft line. In addition, there are two stand-by propulsion units that ensure the submarine's run in narrow waters, at mooring and in emergencies.
Two 120 cell storage batteries of a new design are accommodated in the first and third compartments of the submarine.
The submarine is automated and fitted with a torpedo tube quick-loading system. All torpedo tubes are accommodated in the nose part of the submarine.
The torpedo tubes can launch mines in lieu of torpedoes. The submarine and its weapons are controlled from the main control room, isolated from other compartments.
To enhance operational efficiency, the submarine CO controls the boat and torpedo firing via a multipurpose command-information control system (BIUS) incorporating a high-speed computer. The submarine is also equipped with state-of-the-art electronic, communications and navigational aids.
The advanced ventilation and air-conditioning system can be optionally installed to suit the customer's choice. The submarine is also fitted with a new large capacity refrigerating system. The submarine technical facilities guarantee its reliable operation in any climatic conditions.
The complement is 52 men. The crew is accommodated in comfortable cabins. The submarine also has a galley, shower, medical bay and officer's wardroom. Selengkapnya...

Tiltrotor Transport V-22 Osprey

Crew 2 - 4
Dimensions and weight
Weight (empty) 15 t
Maximum take off weight 27.4 t
Rotor diameter 2 x 11.6 m
Length 17.5 m
Width 14 m
Height 5.5 m
Cargo load
Cargo load 5 t
Passengers 24 - 32 men
Engines
Engines 2 x Rolls-Royce AE 1107C Liberty
Engine power 2 x 6 150 hp
Maximum speed 509 km/h
Cruising speed 396 km/h
Ferry range 4 400 km
Range with normal load 1 627 km
Maneuverability
Service ceiling 7 925 m

The Boeing V-22 Osprey is a multi-mission military tiltrotor aircraft. It is takes-off and lands vertically like a helicopter, while it's cruise speed is similar to propelled aircraft.

V-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport The BellBoeing V-22 made it's first flight in 1989. It has a crew of two and can accommodate 24 troops. The US Marine Corps first took the initiative of such aircraft. Version developed specially for the Marines is called the MV-22B. It is used for carrying troops, supplies and equipment. The V-22 Osprey can operate from ships as well as small airfields. The Osprey is seen as a replacement for the CH-46E and CH-53D helicopter with the Marine Corps.

Another variant is the naval HV-22. This aircraft is intended foe search and rescue missions and for delivering a nd extracting special forces troops. One more special forces variant is the CV-22 used by the US Special Operations Command. It's primary task is to conduct long-range special missions and combat rescue.

The Osprey is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 1107C Liberty turboshaft engines, delivering 6 150 shaft horsepower each. It has maximum speed of 500 km/h and range of 690 kilometers. Selengkapnya...

Attack Helicopter AH-64 Apache

Entered service in 1984
Crew 2
Dimensions and weight
Weight (empty) 5 160 kg
Maximum take off weight 9 500 kg
Rotor diameter 14.63 m
Length 17.73 m
Width ?
Height 3.87 m
Engines
Engines 2 × General Electric T701C turboshaft engines
Engine power 2 x 1 640 hp
Maximum speed 293 km/h
Cruising speed 265 km/h
Ferry range 1 900 km
Combat radius 480 km
Maneuverability
Service ceiling 6 400 m
Armament
Guns 1 x 30-mm chain gun (1 200 rounds)
Missiles AGM-114 Hellfire, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-92 Stinger
Other Hydra 70 unoperated rockets



The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was developed by Boeing. It is one of the most advanced attack helicopter in service today. It is a multi-mission attack helicopter and a very advanced and accurate battlefield weapon-delivery platform. It has day or night and all-weather flight capabilities in any climate zone.

Primary mission for the AH-64 Apache is a high-value target destruction. It is armed with a 30-mm M230 chain gun, Hydra 70 rocket pods and Hellfire missiles. It can carry up to 16 Hellfire anti-tank laser-guided missiles. This missile has a range of fire in up to 8 kilometers and can be also used against buildings and other material targets. Hydra rockets are mainly used against soldiers or light armored vehicles. The 30-mm chain gun has a combat load of 1 200 rounds. It can also carry air-to-air missiles for a close-range air defence. These include AIM 92 Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mistral or Sidearm.

AH-64 Apache attack helicopter This helicopter has a number of survivability equipment, while some of it's vital mechanisms can resists hits from 23-mm gun fire. It has a common attack-helicopter arrangement with a co-pilot/gunner seating in front and the pilot behind him.

The AH-64 Apache is powered by two General Electric gas turbine engines. Each of them deliver 1 890 shaft horse power. In case one of the engine is damaged or failed, this helicopter can continue to fly powered by a single unit. The AH-64 has a maximum cruising speed of 230 km/h with a flight endurance of over three hours. Combat radius of this helicopter is approximately 150 kilometers.

There are two main variants of the AH-64. The AH-64A and improved AH-64D Longbow Apache. US Army and NATO countries operate over 800 Apache helicopters of both variants. Selengkapnya...

Attack Helicopter MI-28 Havoc

Dimesions (mm): 17,0props/21,0 x ?
Maximum speed (km/h): 300
Alt.: 5800
Weight (kg): 10400
Engine: 2 GTD, TV3-117VMA , 2 x 1'619 kwt
APU for self -contained operation
Range (km): 460
Armament: 16/AT Shturm (r: 8 km) or Ataka (target hit= 0.96, 3-6 km)
AA fire-and-forget missiles
80 NURS (80 mm unguided missiles) or 20 (120 mm)
grenade launchers
(altern.:23 mm guns (12,7+ 7,62 MG))
bombs
30mm DP 2A42 (m.vel. 1000 m/sec)
Fire Control System: 2 optical channels: w/n fields of view optic. television channel (move synchroniz ated with gun fire control sys 110 degr. azimuth, +13 -40 elev)
built-in laser range finder
airborn digital computer
helmet mounted target destingator
Crew: 2
Mi-28 initially reflected and was developed as the two-place battle helicopter. The founders of this machine are convinced - above a field of fight of the visible future of advantage will save two-place helicopters. The reachings of developers are reputable, the idea of the monadic helicopter is extremely tempting, but to sell it without damage to battleefficiency it will be possible only for want of qualitatively new level of automation of flight. The first flight Mi-28 has executed in December, 1982. The new machine at once has shown itself as a high-power battle means of the ladies of search and erasure of various battle engineering. And first of all of tanks, BMP. The experts consider, that on battle efficiency Gc-28 exceeds foreign battle helicopters, including is wide knownAmerican Ak-64 "Apache". The helicopter is armed E0-mm with a gun similar by that is installed on battle machines of infantry. It has two rates of shooting - 800 and 300 shells one minute. And the shells are unified with overland. Except for a gun, in an arsenal MI-28 a controlled rocket "Sturm" or "Attack" of a class "air - surface" and four blocks of unguided jet shells of calibre 80 and 130 mm.


On four points of the suspension the containers with bazookas, guns of calibre of 23 mm, and also bomb of calibre up to 500 kgs and other ammunition can fasten. The helicopter is equipped with the adaptation for statement a min. Search, recognition of the purpose and induction of the weapon are carried out with the help of of combined optical-aim station. It has two optical and one optics - television channel (according to three, thirteen and by 20x magnification). It is important to notice, that a sight and gun work synchronously. Their mobility on an azimuth 110deg, on an angle of a place + 13d - 40d. Applies the controlled weapon the navigation officer - operator, which places in a forward cabin. The commander of crew ensures a piloting of the machine at extreme small height (mainly 5-15 meters) and conducts a light from the unguided weapon. If necessary pilot also can control a sight and gun. For this purpose there is special helmet system of target destination, which ensures a turn of a gun in that party, where the pilot looks. The important dignity Mi-28 - it high battle survival. On this parameter about a Nim any helicopter of the world can not compete. It is the unique helicopter have completely armoured pilot cabin, armoured glas of a cabin the direct hit of bullets of calibre up to 12,7 mm, and also splinters of shells maintains. On Mi-28 shielding the vital elements less vital is widely applied.
The drives, for example, are carried so, that between them the main reduction gearbox has gone in. The blades of bearing and tail screws are executed completely from composite materials distinguished by high residual strength for want of damages, many aggregates and systems of the helicopter are duplicated. On the machine the original and reliable system of a passive guard of crew ensuring a survival to the pilots for want of origin of an emergency on small and extreme small heights, for want of impact about ground with a vertical velocity up to 12 m/s is applied. It a basis is made not removed in flight with the chassis with two-chamber amortisation proof. If the emergency has arisen at large height, the pilots can abandon the machine with the parachute. That on Mi-28 there is a special technical compartment, in which two persons are easily placed, it can be used for an evacuation from a field of fight of shot crew of the helicopter.


Selengkapnya...

Attack Helicopter MI-24 Hind

Dimesions (mm): 17,3props/21,5 x ?
Maximum speed (km/h): 315
Alt.: 4500
Weight (tons): 8.5- 11.5
Engine: 2 TVD, TV3-117B, 2 x 1'619 kwt
Range (km): 450
Armament: AS Sturm
132 NURS
23mm DP
Crew: 3
Flying Infantry Combat Vehicle

Development of aviation technology closely mirrors the military and political situation worldwide. For example, cost curve to picture aircraft and helicopters production in the USA features clear-cut peaks: 1954-1957, 1966-1968 and 1985-1986. These refer to wars in Korea, Vietnam and the so-called Reagonomics era (Afghanistan). At every such peak unique specimens of air technology emerged.

The helicopters included the Sikorsky S-55 in Korea, Bell UH-1 Irokez and Bell AH-1 Cobra in Vietnam; AH-64 Apache - Reagonomics. Our helicopter-building industry reacted adequately and produced Mi-4, Mi-8, Mi-24 and Mi-28 helicopters respectively. Today we will tell our readers about Mi-24 gunship helicopter with transport capability.
Such a unique helicopter 'flying infantry combat vehicle' was the brainchild of M.L.Mil, helicopters general designer.
His idea implied the development of a helicopter similar to an American Cobra helicopter, capable of carrying a powerful armament systems and boasting at the same time high flying performance, combat survivability and a capacity to accommodate eight troops (full strength squad) with personal weapons and extra ammunition owing to a decrease in its combat load.
As the gestation period for the new types of armament and observation-sighting devices took longer than the helicopter's development, M.L.Mil decided to fit the first version of the Mi-24 with armaments and sights currently used at that time. Such a new armament system was first tried on the Mi-4 (K-4V) helicopter. The rapid tempo of the Mi-24 development can be attributed to partial or complete unification of the most complicated and vital units, which were previously intended for Mi-8 and Mi-14 helicopters. These units comprised a hub and blades of the main rotor, swash plate, tail rotor, main gear box, rotor drive system and finally the TV3-117 engine. It took one year only to pass from the drawing board (August 1968) to the maiden flight of this helicopter.
The development of new armament systems and devices was carried out simultaneously with the flying trials of the first helicopter prototype. This led to the development of a more roomy cockpit for the crew. This updated cockpit accommodated armament systems and sighting systems similar to those mounted on the first prototype. The first production version of the Mi-24 helicopter, the Mi-24A, became operational that way. This helicopter differed from the first prototype by a stub-wing anhedral of -12 deg. with pylons at wingtips for the Phalanga (Phalanx) antitank missiles. This was done to compensate for the lateral instability which appeared during flying trials of the prototype.
Basic Flying Performances of Mi-24 (Mi-24V, P, VP main versions)
Crew, men 2 (pilot and weapon operator)
Engines 2xTV-3-117VM
Engine maximum take-off power, hp 2x2,20
Overall dimensions,m:
- main rotor diameter
- tail rotor diamtere
- length: overall rotors turning
- height: overall, rotor turning
17.3
3.908
21.35
5.47
Take-off weight kg,:
- normal
- max.
11,200
11,500
Weight empty, kg: 8,620
Speed, km/h
- max. speed
- cruising speed
310-330
260-275
Hovering ceiling in ground effect, m:
- at international standard atmosphere (ISA)
- at international standard atmosphere (ISA) +10o
2,200
1,750
Zoom altitude, m 4,500
Range with max. internal fuel, 5% reserve, km 450
Transit range, km 1000
Transport-assault load:
- troops with individual weapons, men
- load inside compartment (cabin), kg
- load on pylons ,kg
8
1,500
2,400

At least 200 Mi-24A helicopters were manufactured during the five years of their production. The operation of these helicopters, including combat missions, contributed greatly to their further development, updating and improved reliability. This also allowed training pilots and maintenance personnel both in our country and abroad.
The operational experience of the Mi-24A revealed in particular the poor external view from the pilot's cockpit. This drawback forced a radical change in the helicopter nose to accommodate the new weapon systems and sights. In the final version, the pilot and weapon operator were seated in tandem, stepped cockpits under individual canopies. The unfixed mount with the YaKB-12.7 (Yakushev-Borzov) machine gun, boasted a high rate of fire (4,000-4,500 r.p.m) and was remotely controlled via the KPS-53AV sighting station and housed in the exterior front part of the weapon operator's cockpit. The cartridge box previously housed in the pilot's cockpit was installed under the cockpit floor and handled from the outside. There was another problem to solve: it involved the provision of a broad view (±60 deg. in azimuth) for the Raduga observation device used by the weapon operator, which would not impair visibility by structural members and similar view for the command radio link antenna. They were installed on both sides of the fuselage, below the outline of the machine-gun mount. This marked the final general appearance of the crew cockpit and of Mi-24D and Mi-24V as a whole. These helicopters jointly underwent state trials and were launched into series production.
As mentioned earlier, the D version differed from the A version owing to the Phalanga-P antitank missile system incorporating Raduga-F semiautomatic guiding system, which increased the accuracy of antitank missiles two times. In addition, the gyrostabilizing guidance device provided for helicopter's maneuverability within ±60 degrees in yaw during missile guidance, thereby increasing its effectiveness. The provision of a remotely controlled machine gun USPU-24 for the equipment of the Mi-24D ensured automatic introduction of the corrections into firing. The system also comprised an analogue computer compatible with the airborne system of modulating transducers. The unguided armament of the Mi-24D helicopter was not changed, as was the case with the Mi-24A helicopter.
Adoption of the final version of the helicopter Mi-24V was delayed by the development of a new generation Shturm-V antitank missile system. It should be noted here that the Shturm-V system was reviewed as a helicopter version of the ground system Shturm-S. However, the helicopter version was the first to become operational. In addition to the Shturm-V system, the ASP-17V, an automatic pilot's sight was mounted on the Mi-24V. This sight was a modification of the sight developed for the Su-17 aircraft.
Consequently, the main work on the army transport-combat helicopter came to an end and the Mi-24D and Mi-24V became operational in conformity with Government Decree dated March 1976.
The Mi-24 helicopter remained for a long time the powerful and effective combat vehicle. As a reward of their efforts, the main developers, including Designer General M.N.Tischenko, were awarded Lenin prizes. Meanwhile a large group of designers, workers and customer's representatives were given government awards. However, work on the Mi-24 was still not over. A roomy compartment to accommodate troops predetermined further development of utility versions, including: ? Mi-24P helicopter intended for chemical and radiation reconnaissance. This helicopter underwent a baptism of fire when determining the scope of the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power station; ? Mi-24K reconnaissance artillery spotting helicopter intended for ground forces.
However, most development work on the Mi-24 was geared to increase its combat and fire power.


As mentioned earlier, small arms mounted on the Mi-24D and Mi-24V comprised the unfixed mount with the YaKB-12.7 machine gun boasting high rate of fire.
To increase fire power, two versions of versatile helicopter pods were developed: each one contained either one YaKB-12.7 machine gun and two 7.62mm TKB-621 high rate fire machine guns or a 30mm rocket launcher nicknamed Plamya.
Subsequently the Mi-24 carried UPK-23-250 universal gun pods fitted with a 23mm GSh-23 gun, developed by the A.S.Yakovlev Design Bureau and intended for aircraft.
However, the military insisted on fitting the helicopter with a built-in 30mm gun armament. As the final layout at that time didn't provide for mounting on the Mi-24 a 30mm unfixed gun mount, it was decided to fit the vehicle with a GSh-30 (Gryazev-Shipunov) fixed gun mount.
The Mi-24P, fitted with GSh-30K gun mounts with longer barrels, was tested in Afghanistan and was highly praised by flying crews. This fact was notable.
It's worth telling more about it. Whatever one's personal opinion on this war, it's safe to say that our military contingent suffered militarily and climatically. In these circumstances the Mi-24 put up a good show as a reliable and formidable combat vehicle.
The Mi-24VP was the last production version of the Mi-24 to differ from the Mi-24V by swapping the USPU-24 unfixed machine gun mount for the 23 mm GSh-23 unfixed gun mount.
As well as updating the small arms, rocket armament fire power was also increased. The helicopter was fitted to fire a new generation of rockets S-8, S-13 and S-24, instead of 57mm unguided rockets (S-5).

TYPE OF ARMAMENT
Version Mi-24V Mi-24P Mi-24VP
Built-in gun armament:
- type of mount
- laying angles, deg.:
elevation
traverse
- type of weapon
- caliber, mm
- rate of fire, rds/min
- ammunition, pcs
USPU-24

+10; -40
± 60o
YaKB-12.7 machine gun
12.7
4,000-4,500
1,470
NPU-30

fixed
fixed
GSh-30K gun
30
300/2,000 -2,600
250
NPPU-24

+10; -40
±60o
GSh-23L gun
23
3,200-3,400
470
Guided missile armament:
- guided missile
- guidance system
- caliber, mm
- range of fire, m
- armor-piercing capacity, mm
- allowance, pcs Shturm-V antitank missile system
Shturm
radio-signal, semiautomatic
130
800-5,000
560
4-8
Unguided rocket armament:
- unguided rocket
- caliber, mm
- allowance
S-8
80
up to 80
S-13
122
20
S-24
250
4
Other type of armament
- bombs, pcs
weight, kg
- (KMGU-2) pod
- helicopter universal pods with
machine gun or grenade launcher
- universal UPK-23-250 pod
with GSh-23 cannon
2-4
100
2 pods
2-4 pods

2 pods
2-4
250
2 pods
2-4 pods

2 pods
2-4
500
2 pods
2-4 pods

2 pods

At present, the Mi-28 is also being unified. For example, the Mi-24V, P and VP helicopters underwent trials to use the new generation of guided missiles nicknamed Ataka, which represent a further development of the Shturm antitank missile system. The guided missiles intended for the Mi-28 boast more armor-piercing capability, compared to the Shturm antitank missile system, including firing against targets with explosive-reactive armor. They have longer range of fire and various warheads to engage air targets.
The performance of the Mi-24 can be radically improved by using main and tail rotors of the Mi-28.
Day/night observation-sight systems intended for the Mi-28 can be also used by the Mi-24.
In short, the Mi-24 lives on. Far from all opportunities to improve its combat and flying performances have been exhausted.

One of the most promising variants involves the modernization to be performed during the helicopter major repair. This variant covers the following four modernization packages:

1. Modernization of the airframe, including:

- installation of nonretractable landing gear that ensures saving in weight and increases the low-altitude flight safety and a crew protection degree in emergency landing;

- retrofitting of the wing to decrease its weight, installation of launching frames with an increased ammunition load, and an increase in technological effectiveness of loading the helicopter with ammunition.

2. Modernization of the armament system:

- provision for employment of S-13 rockets in the 130mm rocket pod (B-13L1);

- equipping the helicopter with the Shturm-VM (9K113M) guided missile system.

3. Modernization of the helicopter rotor system and dismantling of the secondary hydraulic system that leads to savings in weight, enhancement of airfield performance, and an increase in invulnerability of the helicopter to combat damage.

4. Equipping the helicopter with night vision systems:

- NVIS-compatible illumination of instrument equipment in the crew cabins and adaptation of lighting equipment for night vision goggles to ensure safe takeoff/landing at night and under limited-visibility conditions and flying of the helicopter at extremely low altitudes near the ground surface at night and under limited-visibility conditions at low flight speeds;

- installation of the surveillance and fire-control station furnished with infrared, TV and laser channels to ensure target detection and identification at long ranges at night; leading out of the helicopter onto a target and a combat run at night and under limited-visibility conditions; employment of unguided rockets at night and under limited-visibility conditions; performing search operations and ground surveillance at night and under limited-visibility conditions, as well as in the daytime under conditions of artificial or natural shadowing of objects.

All the aforementioned advantages and the best efficiency-to-cost ratio make us believe that modernized Mi-35 helicopters are sure to score a success on the international aircraft market. Rostvertol products are to be demonstrated at the IDET '99 International Fair in Brno (Czech Republic), Hall Z, Stand #70; and at the 43rd Paris Air Show (Le Bourget, France), Hall 5, Stand #d-1, Chalet 237, Row D.

Variants:
V-24 (Hind) - Protype
Mi-24 (Hind-A) - First production model
Mi-24A (Hind-B) - Based on Hind-A sans nose armament
Mi-24U (Hind-C) - Training variant sans armament
Mi-24D (Hind-D) - Definitive variant; Features specialized electronics for anti-tank guided missiles; 'Stepped' armored tandem-seating cockpit; Single 12.7mm four-barrel machine gun system in under-nose turret.
Mi-24DU - Training variant with dual-controls for instructor / student.
Mi-24V (Hind-E) - Updated anti-tank missiles and firing/acquisition system.
Mi-24P (Hind-F) - Undernose-mounted 12.7mm machine gun replaced with fixed 30mm cannon.
Mi-24RKR (Hind-G1) - NBC reconnaissance varient (model covers Mi-24R, Mi-24RR and Mi-24RKh as well).
Mi-24K (Hind-G2) : Artillery spotter model
Mi-24VM - Uupdated avionics; Improve night-flight systems, updated communications, modernized througout.
Mi-24PM - Upgraded Mi-24P model with Mi-24VM systems.
Mi-24PN - Attack helicopter standard and modernization standard.
Mi-24W - Polish-built Mi-24V variant
Mi-24PS - Police variant
Mi-24E - Environmental Research craft
Mi-24 SuperHind Mk II - South African-produced model featuring updated avionics.
Mi-24 SuperHind Mk III/IV - Modernization of Mi-24 base model.
Mi-25 - Export version of Mi-24D
Mi-35 - Export version of Mi-24V
Mi-35P - Export version of Mi-24P
Mi-35U - Unarmed training version of Mi-35 Selengkapnya...

Attack Helicopter Eurocopter Tiger

Entered service in 2002
Crew 2
Dimensions and weight
Weight (empty) 3 060 kg
Maximum take off weight 6 000 kg
Rotor diameter 13 m
Length 14 m
Width ?
Height 3.82 m
Engines
Engines 2 x Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca/MTU turboshaft engines
Engine power 2 x 1 170 hp
Maximum speed 280 km/h
Cruising speed ?
Ferry range 1 300 km
Range with normal load 800 km
Maneuverability
Service ceiling 4 000 m
Armament
Guns 1 x 30-mm cannon, podded 12.7-mm MG or 20-mm cannon
Missiles Pars 3, HOT 3, Rafael Spike-ER, AGM-114 Hellfire, AIM-92 Stinger, Mistral
Other various unoperated rocket pods

The Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter was co-developed by France and Germany. It is known as the Tiger in Germany, and Tiger in France and Spain. Helicopters delivered to the German and French forces vary in their armament and mission purpose. Germany uses the UHT anti-tank helicopter version, while France operates HAC anti-tank and HAP combat support versions.

The Eurocopter Tiger made it's maiden flight back in 1991, while the first production helicopters were built in 2002. France ordered 70 Eurocopter Tiger HAP combat support helicopters and 10 HAC anti-armor variants. Germany ordered 80 UHT support helicopters.

The Eurocopter Tiger is has a conventional gunship helicopter layout, with two crew members sitting one behind another. Unlike the most combat helicopters pilot sits in the front, while the gunner takes the back seat.

The HAP combat support version has been designed especially for the French armed forces. It is intended for a close-range infantry support and has a limited air-to-air combat capability. The Tigre HAP is armed with a 30-mm cannon, unguided rocket pods and Mistral air-to-air missiles.

The French HAD version has many in common with the HAP, but uses an uprated engines and has a better ballistic protection. It can carry Trigat anti-tank fire-and-forget missiles.

The UHT, developed for the German Army, is a multi-role fire support helicopter. It carries Trigat or HOT anti-tank missiles, as well as the unguided rocket pods. The UHT may also carry up to four AIM 92 Stinger missiles for a close range air defense. This helicopter lacks the chin-mounted cannon, however can be fitted with a 12.7-mm podded machine guns. This version also uses more advanced search and tracking devices, than the French model.

One more version of the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter is operated by the Australian Army. Designated as the ARH or Armed Reconnaissance helicopter and based on the French HAP design.

All Tiger/Tigre helicopters are fitted with missile approach warning systems and decoy launchers. Selengkapnya...