Mil Mi-35 (Hind-E)

History of the Mil Mi-35 (Hind-E)

The Mil Mi-35 "Hind" is a significant upgrade of the Soviet-era Mi-24 "Hind" combat helicopter. It maintains the original's crew layout and gun placement but features modern avionics, navigation, and a strengthened structure for battlefield survivability. Its rotor and cabin allow for troop transport and cargo carrying, with optional medical evacuation capabilities. Enhanced systems include radar warning receivers, infrared jammers, and armor panels for increased survivability. Powered by two Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engines, it retains the Mi-24's landing gear and reaches speeds up to 310 km/h. Armament options include anti-tank missiles, rockets, and cannons. Adopted by several countries, variants like the Mi-35M2 and Mi-35O feature upgraded sensors and avionics for specific operational needs, while trainer variants like the MI-35U lack combat capabilities.

Specification

Base

Years in Service: 2005

Origins: Russia

Status: Active.

Crew: 2

Production: 750+

Manufacturer: Russian Helicopters / Mir Moscow Helicopter Plant - Russia

Operators: Azerbaijan; Brazil (AH-2); Iraq; Kazakhstan (ordered); Mali; Mexico; Nigeria; Russia; Serbia; Venezuela

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing): The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Disable support (CAS): Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Transportation: General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR): Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Special Forces: Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Education: Develop the ability to become a dedicated student pilot instructor (usually under the supervision of an instructor).

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 57.4 feet (17.50 m)

Width/span: 56.8 feet (17.30 m)

Height: 21.3 feet (6.50 m)

Cured weight: 18,420 lbs (8,355 kg)

MTOW: 25,353 lbs (11,500 kg)

Performance

Installed: 2 Klimov TV3-117VMA or VK-2500 turboshaft engines, 2,500 hp each, driving a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor (facing the port).

Maximum speed: 193 km/h (310 km/h | 167 kn)

Maximum: 17,717 feet (5,400 m | 3 km)

Area: 280 km (450 km | 833 nautical miles)

Weapons

Standard: 2 x twin-barreled 23mm cannons in removable chin turrets.

Optional: Up to 8 anti-aircraft/anti-tank missiles or 4 80mm/122mm rocket pods/cannon pods/cannon pods via four underwing mount points.