Mi-24. The complex fate of the first Soviet attack helicopter.
Helicopter Camo in WAR THUNDER
Mi-28N https://live.warthunder.com/post/1048...
Mi-24 https://live.warthunder.com/post/1048...
Speed...
Armor...
A unique combination of an attack and transport helicopter.
Fear and hatred of NATO fighters and mujahideen.
A rotary-wing monster that simply has no equal in the world.
These are the kinds of words you'll hear if you watch Russian videos about the truly legendary Mi-24 helicopter.
Let's be honest, military journalism covering this or that technology is often biased and partisan. Such materials highlight certain qualities as advantages, while modestly ignoring those that could be considered disadvantages.
Both our own and foreign authors are guilty of this approach.
I also don't claim complete objectivity; I'll just tell you about this helicopter from my perspective.
What I wanted to say with this video is that the Mi-24 has had too difficult and thorny a path to find its way into the armed forces. Did the concept of a flying infantry fighting vehicle justify it? In my opinion, more likely no than yes. After all, specialized vehicles perform their tasks better than general-purpose ones. But the army needed it. At that time, the USSR simply had nothing else that could provide direct support to troops on the battlefield. I'll reiterate that the Mi-24 inherited the role once played by Ilyushin attack aircraft. The Mi-24 could withstand fire from standard small arms. The armored capsule allowed the crew to keep their sights on the enemy more confidently, even while the helicopter was being fired upon. Within reason, of course. But when you know you're protected from a stray bullet not by a piece of foil, but by real armor, it's easier to breathe.
The mujahideen, by the way, knew about the armor too. I think there was a rumor among them that bullets couldn't take down a helicopter. That's why, at the beginning of the war, they preferred not to mess with helicopters. Because you'd have to be lucky to shoot down an Mi-24 with a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Like the Il-2, it wasn't invulnerable, but it proved very durable.
Ironically, although designed as an armed bus for infantry, the Mi-24 is remembered worldwide as a formidable attack helicopter, whose silhouette with spreading wings is unmistakable.
And despite all the controversies surrounding the helicopter's concept, the country, the army, and the soldiers needed it. It proved indispensable for a very long time. Being the first of its kind in the USSR, it had many shortcomings. Many simplifications were made just to get something into production. And if Mil hadn't developed the concept of a flying infantry fighting vehicle, the Soviet Union might not have had this helicopter by the time of Afghanistan. Perhaps it was the versatility and engine base of the serial helicopter that kickstarted the production of attack helicopters in the USSR.
Later, the experience of combat use of the Mi-24 in Afghanistan pointed to the need for specialized helicopters, which would later become the Mi-28 and Ka-50.
There were no simplifications here. The armament system was thoroughly developed, and even at the outset it had a 30mm cannon. Unlike the Mi-24, the engines were separated, so that a fire or failure of one engine wouldn't lead to the loss of the other. And the current conflict will most likely fundamentally change the concept of using attack helicopters. It is already changing it.