Mil Mi-35 (Hind)

History of Mil Mi-35 (Hind)

Mil Mi-35 "Hind" became a major upgrade of the classic Soviet era Mi-24 "Hind" attack helicopter and heavy transport series. As the Mi-24 received various system upgrades, the Mi-24V model variant was born, which gave rise to the Mi-35, originally designated as an export. The Mi-35 has a multi-role classification that retains the two-seat tandem crew layout and cabin of the original Mi-24, and the gun remains externally under the short wings like the original.

The system went into series production in 2005.

Compared to the original Cold War player, the Mi-35 received improved avionics and navigation, as well as a digital glass cockpit for each crew member. The helicopter is also equipped with a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging unit and an improved target sighting system.

Internally, the structure of the helicopter has been strengthened to improve survivability on the battlefield. The five-blade main rotor features fiberglass construction, and the weapon stubs have been shortened to facilitate a thinner front/tail profile.

Additional work has also been done on rough fields and "hot high" maneuverability.

The changes added to the Mi-24 to become the Mi-35 significantly modernized and expanded the Cold War offering. All-weather and day-night combat capability is considered robust, as is surface service, making the Mi-35 useful in virtually any battlefield environment.

Optional equipment includes the OPS-24N observation system, enhanced anti-tank (AT) capabilities, and support for non-Russian communications suites.

In addition to its role as a combat helicopter, the Mi-24/Mi-35 is a unique combat helicopter that can carry up to 8 fully equipped combat troops thanks to its main rotor and the cabin area under the engine. Additionally, the space can be used to carry cargo loads of up to 1,500kg, while the sling system allows an additional 2,400kg of external cargo to be transported. In addition to these functions, the helicopter can also serve as a medical evacuation platform for transporting the wounded and medical personnel.

Advanced Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), IR jammers, engine exhaust, cockpit and critical component armor panels, and IR suppression systems on chaff/flare dispensers enhance airborne survivability.

Its engine structure consists of 2 Klimov VK-2500 series turboshafts, reducing noise levels and maintenance requirements. The Mi-35 retains the fixed-wheel tricycle landing gear of the Mi-24. The top speed reaches 310 km/h and the cruising speed is close to 260 km/h. The ceiling height is 3150 meters, and the maximum working ceiling is 5400 meters.

The ferry has a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and a combat radius of 460 kilometers.

As armament is at the heart of the Mi-35 system, this helicopter can have an impressive selection of special or mixed weapons. This includes up to eight anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) on four characteristic underwing hardpoints. The rocket payload is 80mm S-8 series or 122mm S-13 series ammunition, used with or instead of rocket weapons.

The 23mm cannon can also be mounted under the wing tube assembly, while the twin-barreled 23mm cannon is fitted as standard in the chin turret.

To date, the Mi-35 has been adopted by the Russian army as well as Azerbaijan, Iraq and Brazil. The Mi-35 represents the standard version based on the Mi-24V, while the Mi-35 is an export night attack variant with improved sensors for low light operation. The Mi-35M2 marks the entry of the upgraded Mi-35M into service with the Venezuelan Army.

Likewise, the Brazilian Air Force Mi-35M4, but with Israeli avionics (like the AH-2 Sabre). The Mi-35O is a Mexican Army variant equipped with the locally developed FLIR system. MI-35P is the export designation for the Mi-24P model and is closely related to the Mi-24VM, while the Mi-35M3 is used to designate the export-oriented Mi-24VM.

The MI-35U is an unarmed trainer variant of the combat-capable Mi-35.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes