KOZAROVYCHI, UKRAINE – A Russian Air Force Mil Mi-35M Hind-E attack helicopter has been shot down by Ukrainian forces Saturday morning around the village of Kozarovychi, about 20km north of Kyiv, killing the helicopter’s crew. The attack helicopter was shot down using MANPADS (or MPADS, Man-Portable Air Defense System), probably a Starstreak HVM (High Velocity Missile) or a FIM-92 Stinger.
NATO countries have been suppling Ukrainian forces with MANPADS, portable surface-to-air guided missiles which are a serious threat to low-flying aircraft, especially helicopters. But also guided anti-tank missiles like the FGM-148 Javelin have been delivered to Ukraine and more anti-aircraft and anti-armor guided missiles are on the way.
These weapons have been a key factor in preventing Russian forces from gaining critically important air superiority in Ukraine, thedrive.com reports.
Mil Mi-35M Hind-E
The Mil Mi-35M Hind-E is a multi-role attack helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It’s an export variant of the Mil Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter. The Hind-E is primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, and offers a more superior flight performance and manoeuvrability compared to its predecessor.
The production of the Mil Mi-35M started in 2005. The helicopter integrates modern, high-precision weaponry for destroying ground-based armoured targets and providing air support for ground missions. It can be modified as an attack, ground assault, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) or transport platform.
The helicopter is powered by two ТVЗ-117VМА or VK-2500 engines, and can reach a maximum speed of 310km/h. Its operational altitude is 5,400m, has a normal range of 460km, and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000km with full fuel load.
The Mi-35M is one of the modern combat helicopters in the Russian Air Force, and is also operated by the armed forces of Azerbaijan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mali, Nigeria, and Brazil.
For more info go to: airforce-technology.com
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Head image: still image of Ukraine Weapons Tracker video on Twitter
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