A new transport and combat helicopter for the Mi-8AMTSh-VN special forces began to undergo flight tests. Andrey Boginsky, Director General of the Russian Helicopters holding, told the journalists about it.
He explained that the construction of new machines is going on simultaneously with the development work.
“The National Center for Helicopter Engineering has already started flights,” Boginsky explained.
According to him, active work is underway to create a new locator for the helicopter, and it is already planned to launch its serial production by autumn.
- General Director of the Russian Helicopters holding Andrey Boginsky
- RIA News
- © Alexander Kryazhev
In turn, Anatoly Serdyukov , the industrial director of the aviation complex of the Rostec state corporation (the GC includes Russian Helicopters. - RT ), explained that the technical parameters of the new helicopter were formed taking into account the combat experience gained during modern military conflicts.
He clarified that we are talking about such innovations as high-altitude engines of increased power, a new carrier system (propeller system), an expanded arsenal of weapons, as well as other elements that increase the combat capabilities of the helicopter.
“The first stage of testing is scheduled to be completed in November. In the future, two more aircraft of this type will be connected to the flights, ”Serdyukov said.
Universal unit
As a reminder, back in January, TASS, with reference to Andrey Boginsky, reported that the Russian Helicopters holding had created a new version of the Mi-8AMTSh-VN special-purpose helicopter. According to the head of the holding, the designers have developed a version of the vehicle with reinforced weapons and additional equipment.
Boginsky said that in this version of the helicopter, the designers used modernized means of destruction, as well as equipment for detecting and recognizing targets.
It is specified that the helicopter's cockpit and its main components are protected by titanium alloy armor, the sides to the level of the windows are covered with removable Kevlar armor. In addition, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN crew can monitor the situation at night using special night vision goggles.
- RIA News
- © Vitaly Timkiv
The vehicle is also equipped with two 12.7 mm machine guns fixed on a special suspension. As specified on the Rostec website, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter is an intermediate link between the Mi-8 helicopter and a promising airborne assault vehicle (BMD) for airborne airborne units. The vehicle is capable of both transport functions and fire support.
The helicopter is also equipped with an infrared emitter, search light, dual-band lighting equipment and a gyro-stabilized optoelectronic system.
In addition, the helicopter is equipped with a digital autopilot and an onboard defense system "LSZ-8VN". This equipment is capable of automatically recognizing enemy rocket launches on a helicopter and knocking them off course using heat traps.
As military observer Viktor Baranets noted in an interview with RT, one of the most important criteria for a landing helicopter is the level of crew protection.
“The landing helicopter must be reliably protected, including from being hit from the ground. If we talk about the Mi-8AMTSh-VN, then it will obviously be an effective machine, with the help of which the landing force will be able to quickly reach a given point. All the best developments in Soviet and Russian helicopter engineering were put into this helicopter. For example, now the crew will be able to observe the air situation 360 degrees around them, ”says Baranets.
Viktor Baranets added that the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter is capable of climbing to a safe height and maneuvering in the sky.
“Not every modern helicopter can do that. In addition, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN has quite good electronic “eyes” that “see” what is happening on the ground and allow the crew to respond to threats in time, ”he explained.
According to military expert Yuri Knutov, an important quality for a landing helicopter is the ability to discreetly transfer groups of paratroopers to the rear of the enemy and take them away as unnoticed.
“Mi-8AMTSh-VN will be used in special operations forces and in the airborne troops. Such a powerful weapon, in which the echelon where the paratroopers are located, and which is capable of flying at night, is a new stage in the development of the Russian helicopter industry, "the expert emphasized in an interview with RT.
In September 2019, the Managing Director of Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (U-UAZ, part of Russian Helicopters) Leonid Belykh announced the delivery of Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters to the Russian military in 2020. He specified that the corresponding contract had been signed earlier.
- Helicopter Mi-8/17
- © russianhelicopters.aero
“We are constantly modernizing and improving helicopters. For example, we, together with the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, modified the Mi-8AMTSh to the Mi-8AMTSh-VN version, now it is being prepared for delivery to the military department, the contract was signed for Army-2019, RIA Novosti quotes Belykh.
According to experts, a shift in terms is in this case a normal practice.
“Firstly, the coronavirus pandemic undoubtedly played a role. Secondly, tests often reveal some kind of deficiencies that need to be eliminated. An ostentatious race is inappropriate here, so that you don't have to upgrade the equipment already delivered later, "Knutov said.
Viktor Baranets adheres to a similar point of view.
“Excellent military equipment is not done immediately, because it requires quite serious refinement. This is mainly due to technical problems, for example, something may not suit the designers themselves or the Ministry of Defense of Russia, therefore it is often necessary to postpone the acceptance deadlines, ”the expert noted.
"Great prospects"
Note that the modern machine is being created on the basis of the Mi-8/17 family of helicopters, which have been in service since 1965. They are considered one of the most popular aircraft in the history of world helicopter engineering and are operated in more than 90 countries around the world. In total, over 12 thousand machines of this type were produced.
In total, until recently, more than 130 modifications of the Mi-8, including civilian ones, have been developed.
According to the analytical center Flight International, at the time of 2015, 2,555 helicopters of the Mi-8/17 family were in operation in the world, which is 13% of the total world helicopter fleet.
Earlier, Mi-8/17 helicopters were purchased even by the USA. In 2011, at the expense of the American side, a contract was signed for the supply of a batch of these machines to Afghanistan. The deal amounted to $ 1.3 billion. Thus, Washington decided to strengthen the government army in Afghanistan.
According to Yuri Knutov, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter, created on the basis of the Mi-8, can be called a new generation machine.
“The helicopter has already been dubbed a flying tank for special forces. The engines have been changed in the Mi-8AMTSh-VN, it can be equipped with rockets in addition to machine guns. The armored glass cockpit provides good visibility. Thanks to more accurate instruments, it can fly at night. This is a serious car, so far Russia hasn’t had one, ”the expert noted.
Viktor Baranets shares this opinion.
“The Mi-8AMTSh-VN has its own advantages, for example, that a huge share of the load falls on intelligent equipment. Thanks to this machine, the army will be able to make a quick dash to a given point with the release of troops. The helicopter is also capable of providing air cover. The car has great prospects, it is obvious, "the expert summed up.