Mi-24P in flight
For several decades of production and service, the Mi-24/35 transport and combat helicopter has been repeatedly upgraded, which led to an increase in performance and new capabilities. Another project for a deep modernization of such a machine is being worked out right now. Recently it became known about the formation of the appearance of a new helicopter based on the existing design.
Patented Look
On March 29, the TASS agency reported that the National Helicopter Center named after. M.L. Mil and N.I. Kamov developed and patented the technical design of a promising transport and combat helicopter. TASS got acquainted with the new patent and provided some quotes from it. In this case, the document number is not named; it is also not published in the open databases of domestic patents.
As part of the design work, a helicopter design has been developed that is capable of transporting people and cargo, landing troops, as well as providing fire support and hitting ground targets. Due to the appropriate equipment, the helicopter will be able to operate at any time of the day. From the point of view of the tasks to be solved, the prototype and analogue of the hypothetical helicopter is the serial Mi-24P.
The new concept proposes to use a number of modern developments and solutions of various kinds in all major areas, from the propulsion system to weapons. With their help, a high level of combat and technical characteristics should be achieved. It will also ensure high efficiency and sustainability in solving all problems.
The main difference between the Mi-24P is the cannon mount on the starboard side
Development status unknown. The filing of an application and the receipt of a patent indicate the completion of part of the preliminary work and the formation of the general appearance, architecture and other features of the helicopter. Whether such a concept will develop is unknown. Patented developments are quite capable of finding application in a future real project. It is also possible to implement individual solutions.
Perhaps the fate of developments protected by a patent will become known in the foreseeable future. In particular, a model of such a helicopter may appear at one of the future exhibitions. However, the National Helicopter Center has not disclosed its plans so far.
Upgrade option
According to the disclosed data, the new helicopter is largely similar to the serial Mi-24P or even developed on its basis. It is envisaged to preserve the previous scheme and architecture. So, the new helicopter will be twin-engine and will receive one main rotor. The fuselage will retain a cargo-passenger cabin, suitable for transporting fighters with equipment, bedridden wounded or cargo.
The project provides for the use of a digital flight and navigation complex with all the necessary instruments. Also, the avionics included a surveillance and sighting system based on digital components, including an optical-electronic station. All systems must have a day and night channel, which will ensure round-the-clock efficient operation. Appropriate control devices have been introduced for the use of suspended weapons, but their type and functions are not specified.
Helicopter wing and armament
The helicopter will be able to operate at any time of the day, which is also reflected in the concept. So, the composition of the equipment of the pilots should include a helmet-mounted night vision device, and the instrumentation of the cockpit and controls will receive a special coating. It also offers dual-mode lighting equipment outside the machine. In one of the modes, the signals will be visible only through night vision devices, which will improve camouflage in flight.
The new look of the transport-combat helicopter includes a built-in gun mount. Mobile or stationary - TASS does not specify. Also, the machine will be able to carry rocket and bomb weapons, unguided and guided. The nomenclature of weapons is not defined; the choice is up to the customer.
To increase survivability, it is proposed to use an airborne defense system with several components for different purposes. So, sensors for detecting missile launches are placed in the wing nacelles. Also, BKO will receive systems for shooting false thermal targets.
The performance characteristics of the concept are not specified. It is possible that the project has not reached the stage of development when such parameters will be determined. The same applies to the exact combat qualities - they depend on the weapons used and other wishes of the military.
Development trends
The appearance of a promising transport and combat helicopter is only partially disclosed, and some of its features and characteristics remain unknown. However, the published information is of great interest and allows you to understand what a new car can be. In addition, information from TASS shows possible ways for the further development of domestic combat helicopters.
First of all, the new patent shows that the NCV considers it necessary to continue developing the idea of a helicopter that combines combat and transport functions. At the same time, it is necessary to take as a basis for such a machine not a transport helicopter of the Mi-8 type, but a combat Mi-24. The operating experience of domestic helicopter technology shows that such a solution makes sense.
The new concept shows that NCV has no plans to abandon developments on the Mi-24/35 and intends to use this platform in new projects. The general architecture of this helicopter corresponds to the assigned transport and combat missions. Through one or another of its improvements, as well as through the use of optimal units, you can get the required level of performance characteristics. Judging by the disclosed information, the patented project provides just such a way to create a new combat vehicle.
To provide advantages over the basic Mi-24P, it is proposed to massively introduce digital navigation, surveillance and weapon control devices. This will increase the overall technical characteristics, as well as ensure compatibility with new weapons and thereby improve combat qualities. The question of the composition of radio-electronic systems has not yet been disclosed. It is possible that the new helicopter will be able to get a surveillance and sighting radar with an over-hub placement, as on the main modifications of the Mi-28.
The most important part of the new project is the airborne defense system, which is absent on serial Mi-24s. In recent weeks, Russian attack helicopters participating in the Special Operation in Ukraine have clearly demonstrated and confirmed the full benefit of such devices. It is obvious that any new combat helicopter must be equipped with air defense systems of one composition or another.
The question of armaments remains open. It can be assumed that the 30-mm cannon, traditional for our helicopters, will be preserved, and, unlike the existing Mi-24s, it will be placed on a mobile mount. The complex of missile weapons should include all relevant and promising samples, such as the Whirlwind-M, Ataka and Hermes. Due to this, the new helicopter will be able to attack ground and air targets at increased ranges.
New generation
The National Helicopter Center continues to work out ways to improve existing combat helicopters. Latest news show that in the framework of such work, the idea of a transport-combat helicopter is also being developed. Existing solutions and architectures are implemented using modern developments and devices - and this already gives an interesting result.
The appearance of a new patent may indicate that the development of the Mi-24/35 family of combat helicopters will continue. A promising helicopter of this class will be able to retain common features and get new features, due to which it will improve performance and expand capabilities. However, so far we are only talking about shaping the appearance of such a machine. The further fate of such a concept depends on the potential customer, his opinion and needs.