Mil AH-2 Sabre (Mi-35M)

History

AH-2 "Sabre" is the designation of twelve Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters in service with the Brazilian Air Force. This model was born out of the Mi-35M4 model of Russian origin, both of which are directly related to the original Soviet Cold War-era Mi-24 "Hind" series, although they have been largely updated for the rigors of the modern battlefield. The AH-2 retains most of the form and function of the Mi-35 family, but is deployed with Israeli avionics to better meet the needs of the Brazilian Air Force.

Based on the Mi-24V, the Mi-35M introduced night attack capabilities, an improved communications suite, new avionics, weight-reducing components and a modernized weapons suite.

The AH-2 accommodates a crew of two in a tandem configuration, but unlike Western attack types, it has a cabin under the main rotor. This proved useful for deploying combat-ready infantry along a moving front line, while helicopters provided their own fire support.

Standard armament consists of 2 x 23mm cannons mounted on trainable chin turrets, while optional armament is located at multiple mounting points under the wings, if required, up to 8 Anti-Tank Missiles (ATGM), 80mm/ 120mm rocket pod and support gun pod. Power comes from a 2,500 hp Klimov VK-2500 series turboshaft engine driving a four-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.

The speed reaches 310 km/h and the cruising range is up to 460 km.

Airborne systems include OPS-24N night vision goggles, infrared (IR) jamming system, integrated infrared engine suppression system and radar warning receiver (RWR). Redundancy improves survivability in contested areas, and cockpit armor protects the crew and vital systems at low altitudes.

In November 2014, the Brazilian Air Force announced that the last three of its twelve-person AH-2 helicopter order had been delivered. Brazil is one of the few major South American countries to receive dedicated gunship/attack helicopter services.

The line will enhance Brazil's close support capabilities and will be used with other strike and surveillance aircraft such as Embraer's Super Tuncano series.

Russian Helicopters currently produces Mi-35M helicopters at its Mir Moscow Helicopter Plant. It was put into use in 2005. The Mi-35M competitively defeated the Italian A129 Mongoose and European Tiger attack aircraft.

These entries lack the troop transport capabilities inherent in the Mi-35 design.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes