Modern-Aviation

The Mi-35M entered serial production phase in 2005 at Rostvertol plant. It is powered by two engines having 2,200hp each. The operational altitude and normal range of the helicopter are 5,400m (17,716ft) and 460km respectively.

The famous Mi-24 (NATO designation Hind) saw action in many hotspots, local wars, armed conflicts and special operations all around the world. Despite its age the Mi-24 remains in service with at least 50 air arms.

The Mi-24 made its name for being easy and cheap to maintain. This helicopter also proved to be reliable. However refurbishment, upgrades and modernization is necessary in order to keep these ageing gunships operational. Especially its electronics needs to be improved to meet modern demands and competitiveness in modern warfare.

Upgraded Mi-35M (NATO Designation Hind-E) was first revealed in 1999. It is an export version of the Mi-24VM. This helicopter is intended only for export. The Mil Helicopter Plant introduced a more modern Mi-28 back in 1990s. However many countries, including Russia, can not replace their ageing fleet of Mi-24 attack helicopters due to funding problems. So refurbishment and production of helicopters such as the Mi-35M continues.The cockpit and vital components of the helicopter are significantly armoured. The Mi-35M has an overall length of 21.6m, wingspan of 6.5m and height of 6.5m. Its takeoff weight in ferry configuration is 12,000kg. It can carry eight troops or a payload of 2,400kg.
Production of the Mi-35M commenced in 2005. This attack helicopter and is derivatives are in service with Azerbaijan (24), Brazil (12), Iraq (24), Venezuela (8) and possibly some other countries.

The main role of this helicopter is destruction of armored vehicles, enemy troops, UAVs and other helicopters. Its secondary role is delivery of troops and special cargo, evacuation of wounded. It can operate at night and in adverse weather conditions.

The Mi-35M has a number of improvements. It differs from the basic model by main rotor system of the Mi-28 and X-shape tail rotor. Main rotor's fiberglass blades have new aerodynamic profile. These are lighter but stronger due to titanium details. Helicopter also has upgraded turboshaft engines. Flight performance such as altitude and maneuverability improved due to these changes. Stub wings were shortened in order to reduce weight. Wings have a number of hardpoints for weapons and other uses.

Electronic core of the helicopter underwent fundamental modifications. A whole spectrum of new electronic systems were adopted in the cockpit. The Mi-35M is fitted with upgraded avionics and improved sensor package, including night vision system. Helicopter is also fitted with electro-optical rangefinder/targeting system with thermal imaging guidance channel, satellite positioning and navigation system, electronic multifunction displays, onboard computer and new generation jam-proof communications equipment.

This attack helicopter can carry different weapons, including podded guns, 8 Ataka-V or Shturm-V ant-tank missiles and Igla-V air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets or bombs. Armament depends on customer requirements. A nose turret is fitted with a GSh-231 23-mm twin-barrel cannon. The cockpit and vital components of this helicopter are significantly armored.

The Mi-35M has a payload capacity of a whooping 2 400 kg. It can carry a full infantry squad of 8 fully-equipped troops. This feature makes this helicopter unique comparing with Western attack helicopters. A large-caliber machine gun, as well as general purpose machine guns can be installed in the cargo cabin.The Mi-35M can carry up to 16 missiles (instead of 8), including four new 9M39 Igla-V instead of Strelas. New weapons include the heavy 122mm S-13 unguided rockets. Still, what makes the chopper extremely deadly is GSh-23V cannon with 450 rounds in a undernose turret that can be moved +/-60° in azimuth and +10/-40° in elevation.
The sighting of the Mi-35Ms marks the arrival of another modern weapons system within the ranks of the contingent Russia has unleashed against terrorists in Syria along with HYPERLINK "https://theaviationist.com/2015/11/20/tu-160-with-su-30-escort-video/"Su-30SMs, HYPERLINK "https://theaviationist.com/2015/10/09/new-stunning-footage-of-the-russian-su-34-fullback-bombers-attacking-ground-targets-in-syria/"Su-34s, HYPERLINK "https://theaviationist.com/2015/10/07/watch-russian-warships-launch-cruise-missiles-against-targets-in-syria-from-the-caspian-sea/"Kalibr, HYPERLINK "https://theaviationist.com/2015/11/25/all-the-weapons-sensors-moskva/"S-400 and HYPERLINK "https://theaviationist.com/2015/12/08/kalibr-from-subs-against-syria/"Kilo-class sub (to name but few).
Landing gear of the Mi-35M is no longer retractable. This reduced overall weight of the helicopter. Also in case of the crash the landing gear absorbs some of the energy.

It is worth mentioning that other countries also offer their refurbished and upgraded versions of the Mi-24 Hind with modern avionics, weapons, engines and night operation capability. South African company Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE) proposes its Superhind upgrade programme. It is estimated that 1 500 Hinds remain in service so market for upgrades remain substantial.

Performance
Maximum speed: 335 km/h (208 mph, 180 kt)
Range: 450 km (280 miles, 243 NM)
Service ceiling: 4,900 m (16076 ft)

Armament
Internal guns
flexible 12.7 mm Yakushev-Borzov Yak-B Gatling gun on most variants. Maximum of 1,470 rounds of ammunition.
fixed twin-barrel GSh-30K autocannon on the Mi-24P. 750 rounds of ammunition.
flexible twin-barrel GSh-23L autocannon on the Mi-24VP and Mi-24VM. 450 rounds of ammunition.
PKB passenger compartment window mounted machine guns
External stores
Total payload is 1,500 kg of external stores.
Inner hardpoints can carry at least 500 kg
Outer hardpoints can carry up to 250 kg
Wing-tip pylons can only carry the 9M17 Phalanga (in the Mi-24A-D) or the 9K114 Shturm complex (in the Mi-24V-F).
Bomb-load
Bombs within weight range (presumably ZAB, FAB, RBK, ODAB etc.), Up to 500 kg.
MBD multiple ejector racks (presumably MBD-4 with 4 × FAB-100)
KGMU2V submunition/mine dispenser pods
First-generation armament (standard production Mi-24D)
GUV-8700 gunpod (with a 12.7 mm Yak-B + 2 × 7.62 mm GShG-7.62 mm combination or one 30 mm AGS-17)
UB-32 S-5 rocket launchers
S-24 240 mm rocket
9M17 Fleyta (a pair on each wingtip pylon)
Second-generation armament (Mi-24V, Mi-24P and most upgraded Mi-24D)
UPK-23-250 gunpod carrying the GSh-23L
B-8V20 a lightweight long tubed helicopter version of the S-8 rocket launcher
9K114 Shturm in pairs on the outer and wingtip pylons