The
Russian Mi-28 combat helicopter is the latest generation of Russian helicopters, together with the
Kamov KA-50. It is developed and manufactured by the legendary
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The
NATO codename of the Mi-28 is
Havoc. It was developed in competition with th Kamov KA-50, but due to political reasons, both helicopters were selected by the Russian Army.
It is a conventional helicopter with a main and tail rotor. The rotors are composites and plastic in order to withstand direct hits. The cabin is fully armored and protected against small caliber rounds and shell fragments.
Mounted on the fuselage are two wings that allow a large range of weaponry such as air to air missiles, air to ground missiles and rockets. It also has a 20 mm cannon.
The helicopter is two-seated, with a pilot and a navigator/weapons officer. The pilot has a helmet with built in target designator which follow the eye movements of the pilot and transfer data to the weapons officer.
There is also a night-time combat version, the Mi-28N Night Havoc. This has newer avionics, engines and electronic warfare equipment. It has FLIR – forward looking infrared – system and the crew use night vision goggles.
Specifications:
Dimensions
Principle dimensions 16.85 x 4.81 metres
Main rotor diameter 17.2 metres
Height 3.82 metres
Length with revolving rotors 21.16 m
Weights
Normal takeoff weight 10,400kg
Maximum takeoff weight 11,500 kg
Weight of normal consumable combat load 638 kg
Maximum weight of consumable combat load 1,605 kg
Weight empty 7,890kg
Engines
Two TV3-117VMA each providing 2,200 horsepower
Performance
Maximum flight speed 282 km/hr
Cruise speed 260 km/hr
Hovering ceiling 3,450 metres
Service ceiling 5,750 metres
Range of flight at normal take-off weight 460 km
Ferry range with drop tanks attached 1,105 km
Weapons
Antitank guided missiles
Radio guided, launch range 8 km
Movable gun mount calibre 30 mm
Air launched rockets
Quantity 80 calibre 80 mm
Quantity 20 calibre 130 mm
Mi-28N Night Havoc
Take off weight 10,500 kg
Maximum take off weight 11,500 kg
Hover ceiling out of ground effect 3,700 metres
Service ceiling 5,700 metres
Cruise speed 265 km/hour
Maximum flight speed 324 km/hour
Flight range with 10% fuel reserve 435 km
reference: Army technology