Russian Mi-28NM combat helicopters have learned high-precision advanced light multi-purpose guided missiles, the so-called “product 305”. The Mi-28NM will be able to carry up to four long-range cruise missiles. AiF. ru found out what these missiles are and why it was decided to equip the most modern Russian helicopter with them.
According to military experts, the use of cruise missiles will significantly expand the combat capabilities of the Mi-28NM in terms of high-precision destruction of enemy command posts, warehouses with weapons, other important military infrastructure facilities and concentrations of manpower. Moreover, no one other helicopter in the world today has cruise missiles of such a range and power as a standard type of its aviation weapons.
A light multi-purpose guided missile codenamed “Invention 305” with a maximum range of 100 kilometers was developed at the Tula Shipunov Instrument Design Bureau. Currently, flight tests of these helicopter cruise missiles are continuing here. In addition to the unique range characteristics, the new weapon has an innovative control system, for example, the homing head does not respond to heat traps fired by the enemy and optical interference generated by the laser.
The decision to re-equip the Mi-28N helicopter was made based on the results of the combat use of the machine during the operation in Syria. The military was not satisfied with the distance of destruction of anti-tank guided missiles & laquo; Attack & raquo; and «Vortex-M»9-10 kilometers, since MANPADS of NATO countries could hit targets at a distance of 12 & nbsp; kilometers.
Recall that the Mi-28NM are manufactured at the Rostvertol plant (part of Russian Helicopters). The most noticeable external difference between the Mi-28NM and other models is the spherical radar fairing located immediately above the screw. The helicopter is capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and target designation to the destruction of ground and air targets. The arsenal of the Mi-28NM includes a whole set of guided missiles. The machine has protection against armor-piercing shells with a caliber of up to 20 millimeters.
The main advantage of the upgraded version of the aircraft is the ability to perform all the necessary functions in all weather conditions and at any time of the day and night. The new powerful Klimov VK2500P engines, as well as improved main rotor blades, will increase the maximum speed by 13% and the average speed up to 10%. This small increase in the conditions of intense military operations can solve the question of life and death for those whom the helicopter is designed to protect or, conversely, destroy.
The prospects of this car can be judged by the reviews of foreigners. For example, the Canadian portal HotCars writes that the Russian Mi-28 helicopter will force any enemy to run away in the opposite direction with screams. Perhaps, after completing the machine with the product 305, after some time, an article will appear in a foreign publication about the fact that now it is useless for the enemy to even run, cruise missiles will still catch up.