Mi-24 Hind: Russia’s Legendary Attack Helicopter
The Mi-24 Hind, known in NATO reporting terms as Hind, stands as one of the most recognizable and battle-proven attack helicopters in military history. Developed in the Soviet Union starting in 1968, the Mi-24 was derived from the proven Mi-8 transport helicopter. Its prototype, designated V-24, took flight in 1969, and mass production commenced in 1971, continuing until 1991.
Over 2,650 units of all variants were produced, including the Mi-24 and its export-focused version, the Mi-35. By 2022, it is estimated that around 900 Mi-24/Mi-35 helicopters remained in service globally, used by at least 50 air forces. The Russian Army was the largest operator, with approximately 700 units, although recent combat losses—particularly in Ukraine—have likely impacted this number.
Other major operators include India, Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Libya, and Poland.
| Country of Origin | Soviet Union |
|---|---|
| Entered Service | 1971 |
| Crew | 3 men |
| Troops Capacity | 8 men |
| Dimensions and Weight | |
| Length | 19.79 m |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 17.3 m |
| Height | 6.5 m |
| Weight (Empty) | 8.4 t |
| Weight (Maximum Take Off) | 12.5 t |
| Engines and Performance | |
| Engines | 2 x Klimov TV3-117 turboshafts |
| Engine Power | 2 x 2,200 shp |
| Maximum Speed | 310 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 4.5 km |
| Range | 450 km |
| Combat Radius | 160 km |
| Armament | |
| Cannon | 1 x 4-barrel 12.7 mm gun, later replaced with a 23 mm twin-barrel cannon |
| Missiles | 9M17P Skorpion (AT-2 Swatter), later 9M114 Shturm (AT-6 Spiral) anti-tank guided missiles |
| Other | Pods with 57 mm, 80 mm, 130 mm or 240 mm unguided rockets; AGS-17 30 mm grenade launchers |
Combat History and Versatility
The Mi-24 has been deployed in multiple global conflicts, gaining a reputation for its firepower, speed, and armored resilience. It saw extensive action in wars such as:
- Soviet–Afghan War
- Chadian–Libyan conflict
- Angolan Civil War
- Sri Lankan Civil War
- Chechen Wars
- Ukrainian conflict
Unlike most dedicated attack helicopters, the Mi-24 is unique in its ability to transport troops. It can carry up to eight fully equipped soldiers, or up to twelve lightly equipped troops, making it a dual-purpose gunship and assault transport.
Design and Capabilities
The Mi-24 is widely respected for combining speed, firepower, and armor in a single platform. It's capable of executing:
- Close air support
- Anti-armor missions
- Tactical troop insertions
- Aerial combat (limited)
The helicopter is crewed by three members: a pilot, a gunner, and a flight engineer. Its cockpit and vital components are protected by armor plating, including titanium armor and ballistic-resistant windscreens. Even the rotor blades are reinforced with titanium for added durability.
Key Mi-24 Variants
Mi-24A (1971–1973)
- First production model
- Featured a large glass cockpit
- Around 250 units built
- Development took only 3 years
Mi-24B
- An interim variant tested between 1971–1972
- Never entered mass production
Mi-24D (Hind-D) / Mi-25 (Export)
- Entered service in 1973
- Most widely produced version with over 600 units
- Introduced stepped cockpits and undernose gun turret
- Export model called Mi-25
- Enhanced armor and bullet resistance up to 12.7 mm machine gun fire
Mi-24V (Hind-E) / Mi-35 (Export)
- Introduced from 1976–1978
- Upgraded engines and new 9M114 Shturm-V anti-tank missiles
- NATO reporting name: AT-6 Spiral
Mi-24P (Hind-F)
- Featured a fixed 30 mm GSh-30K twin-barrel cannon
- Developed after combat experiences in Afghanistan
Specialized Versions
- Mi-24RKR Hind-G1: NBC reconnaissance
- Mi-24K Hind-G2: Artillery fire correction
- Mi-24BMT: Minesweeping variant
- Mi-24PS: Paramilitary operations
Mi-35M: Modernized Upgrade
The Mi-35M (also known as Mi-24VM for domestic use) represents a significant modernization of the Hind platform, introduced around 1998. This upgrade includes:
- Refurbished airframe to extend service life
- New X-shaped tail rotor
- TV3-117VMA engines producing 2,194 shp each
- Digital cockpit with multifunction displays (MFDs)
- Night vision goggle compatibility
- Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system
- GSh-231 23 mm nose cannon
- Capable of deploying Ataka-V anti-tank missiles and Igla-V air-to-air missiles
There was a proposal to upgrade approximately 200 Russian Mi-24s to this Mi-24VM standard, although it is unclear how many were actually converted.
Performance and Speed Records
The Mi-24 is known for its exceptional speed. In 1976, a specially prepared Mi-24 set an official world helicopter speed record of 368 km/h, a benchmark that stood unmatched until 1986.
Armament and Loadout
Early models of the Mi-24 carried 9M17P Skorpion (AT-2 Swatter) anti-tank guided missiles. Later models introduced more advanced systems such as:
- 9M114 Shturm-V (AT-6 Spiral)
- 30 mm or 23 mm cannons
- Unguided rockets
- Air-to-air missiles (Igla series)
The Hind's weapon flexibility makes it highly effective against a range of targets, including enemy tanks, vehicles, artillery, and infantry positions.
Market Value and Current Use
As of 2022, the estimated value of a used Mi-24 in good condition is approximately $12.5 million. While many of these helicopters have been retired, a substantial number are still operational thanks to numerous upgrade programs available on the global defense market.
Conclusion: A Timeless Soviet Gunship
The Mi-24 Hind remains a legendary icon in the world of rotary-wing combat aviation. Despite being conceived during the Cold War, its blend of firepower, armor, speed, and troop-carrying ability has ensured decades of frontline service. While modern helicopters have surpassed it in certain capabilities, the Mi-24 continues to serve effectively through upgrades and remains in high demand among countries seeking robust and proven battlefield platforms.
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