Mi-35M and its main features
Mi-35M involved in the Special Operation to Protect Donbass
The Mi-24 transport and combat helicopter was put into operation more than half a century ago. Over time, the original machine was developed, and its latest modifications are still in service. The most modern serial version of this helicopter is the Mi-24VM, also known as the Mi-35M. It was created in the XNUMXs using modern technologies, materials and components of that time. Thanks to this, it was possible to improve the main characteristics of the helicopter and enhance its combat capabilities.
The last in the family
In the nineties, the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant Design Bureau began developing a new modification of the existing transport and combat helicopter. The project envisaged the modernization of the Mi-24V helicopter in order to improve its tactical, technical and flight characteristics, as well as to increase the level of unification with other modern models.
The first experimental helicopter of the Mi-24VM type, later designated Mi-35M, was created in the mid-nineties. The testing process lasted for a decade and was completed only in the mid-XNUMXs. Based on the results of the tests, the helicopter was recommended for adoption into service.
The first contract for the delivery of Mi-35Ms to the Russian Air Force was concluded only in 2010. Subsequently, the Ministry of Defense placed at least one more similar order. In total, several dozen helicopters were purchased, although the exact number is unknown.
Even at the testing stage, the developer company began promoting the helicopter on the international market. As a result, in 2008, the first export contract was concluded - Brazil ordered 12 new helicopters. In the following years, orders were received from nine more countries of the near and far abroad. Helicopters were sent to Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Russian army aviation continues to actively use its Mi-35M. Since 2022, they have been participating in real combat operations against Ukrainian formations. Almost all foreign operators have also retained their helicopters, and some of them have experience in their combat use.
The only exception is Brazil. In 2022, it decided to abandon Russian helicopters due to the impossibility of full technical maintenance.
Design changes
The Mi-35M helicopter is based on the older Mi-24V model. During the development of the Mi-35M, some changes were made to the design, new units and instruments were installed. As a result of these improvements, the helicopter retained its appearance and general architecture, but acquired higher flight and technical characteristics, and also improved its combat potential.
The Mi-35M was created using the existing airframe, but with minor changes. The overall design, layout and other elements remained the same. The most noticeable innovation was a wing with a reduced span and fewer suspension points.
The new wing reduced drag. At the same time, lift was reduced and the ammunition load was reduced. Nevertheless, such changes were considered acceptable.
To make the design lighter, it was decided to abandon the retractable chassis. In addition, such a design of the struts in some situations can weaken the impact with the ground and save the helicopter and the crew.
Pilot at work
The Mi-35M is equipped with an updated propulsion system unified with the Mi-28 helicopter. A pair of TV3-117V turboshaft engines were replaced with newer VK-2500-II engines from the same engine family. In cruise mode, they develop 1500 hp, and in takeoff mode, 2200 hp. An emergency mode is provided: in the event of failure of one engine, the second develops 2700 hp.
The upgraded Mi-28M also received the rotor system from the Mi-35 attack helicopter. The titanium main rotor hub with elastomer blade hinges was transferred to it. Composite blades with several longitudinal spars and a swept tip are used.
The X-shaped tail rotor was also adopted. It is characterized by increased efficiency and improves the helicopter's maneuverability.
Onboard equipment
The Mi-35M helicopter retained two tandem-configured cabins for the pilot and weapons operator. As before, both cabins have a full set of controls.
During the latest upgrade, some of the devices and indicators were removed from the instrument panels in both cockpits. They were replaced with large-format multifunctional liquid crystal displays. Now the pilot can use these displays to display flight information and maps, and the operator can use optical-electronic and other means.
An important upgrade for the Mi-35M was the new OPS-24N surveillance and targeting system. It provides surveillance, target search and use weapons. The main element of the system is the gyrostabilized optical-electronic station GOES-24, which has day and night channels, as well as a laser rangefinder. To use this station, the operator has the appropriate controls.
Also during the modernization of the Mi-35M, the L-370 Vitebsk onboard defense system was installed. It includes a set of sensors, control devices and jamming devices. Vitebsk automatically tracks anti-aircraft missile launches and uses active infrared jamming or false heat targets to protect the helicopter.
Armament complex
The helicopter carries a built-in mount with a 23-mm automatic cannon GSh-23 on a mobile platform. Experience in testing and use has shown that this weapon is more effective than the YakB-12,7 machine gun or the GSh-30 cannon, which were used on previous models of Mi-24 helicopters.
The range of additional weapons has remained virtually unchanged compared to previous Mi-24 modifications. The Mi-35M helicopter can carry unguided rocket pods, universal gun pods, guided missiles and other weapons. In various combinations, they are suspended on four pylons under the wings.
The guided weapons system has been retained. The Mi-35M can carry up to eight Shturm-V or Ataka-V guided missiles. These weapons are designed to destroy armored vehicles and other protected targets at a distance of up to 5-6 km. In both cases, radio command guidance is used.
Results of the upgrade
The modernization of the Mi-24V combat helicopter, also known as the Mi-35M, was carried out in the simplest and most obvious way. Aircraft engineers retained the basic design of the base model, making only minor changes. At the same time, they replaced key units and systems.
The modern Mi-35M differs from its predecessors in several ways. It is equipped with more powerful engines and an improved rotor system, which has improved flight and maneuverability characteristics. The avionics system has also been radically redesigned, receiving smaller but more efficient equipment. Control of the helicopter and its weapons has become much easier. In addition, the operator can now use all standard weapons more effectively and with greater convenience.
The weapons complex did not undergo any major changes, but it was formed taking into account the maximum increase in combat qualities. In addition, the updated sighting and navigation complex allows in the future to change the composition of weapons without any particular difficulties and costs.
The result of the Mi-35M project was a modern combat helicopter with wide capabilities and high performance. In some respects, it is inferior to the newer Mi-28N or Ka-52, but the use of a well-developed and time-tested platform has its advantages.
Service continues
The first transport and combat helicopter Mi-24 was accepted into service by the USSR Army Aviation half a century ago. During this time, many modifications of the helicopter were developed, some of which are still in service.
The latest serial modification of the Mi-35M helicopters appeared in the troops just over ten years ago and continue to serve. Since 2022, they have been participating in real combat operations and demonstrating their potential in practice, as well as confirming the correctness of the decisions included in the modernization project.
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