Mi-28NE attack helicopter manufactured by “Russian Helicopters” Holding Company (Rostec State Corporation) made its first demonstration flight as a part of the flight program at Dubai Airshow 2021 international exhibition. Guests and participants had the opportunity to enjoy complex aerobatics of the combat helicopter with the unique maneuverability.
Famous Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter in its export modification made its debut at Dubai Airshow 2021. This was its first demonstration outside of Russia. Mi-28 helicopter family is called “Night Hunters” (or “Havoc” according to NATO classification). Mi-28 has been taken in the inventory of the Russian Armed Forces as the main attack helicopter of the Aerospace Forces. “Night Hunter” showed its outstanding flight performance in Dubai sky. Mi-28 can perform a number of aerobatics available only to aircraft.
Many aerobatics were performed at minimum altitudes and speeds, which is especially important for survivability of the helicopter in real combat conditions. Mi-28NE demonstrated combat turns, nose diving, pitch-up maneuvers, rearward flight, hovering and climb with rotation under the supervision of Sergey Barkov, honored test pilot and hero of Russia.
The pilots demonstrated the dynamic capabilities of the rotorcraft, its stability in the air, and ease in control. Combat characteristics of the “Night Hunter” are significantly expanded due to its maneuverability. It is able to reach the target quickly even while active maneuvering.
Mi-28 attack helicopter has a powerful armament complex which includes a mobile automatic 30 mm gun with a left to right rotation range of ±110, three types of anti-tank guided missiles with a range of 6 and 10 km, air-to-air guided missiles, unguided missiles of two types, suspended cannon containers, aerial bombs of up to 500 kg grade.
Main rotor blades of the “Night Hunter” are capable of withstanding a 30 mm projectile. It has high-power engines, with 2,400 horsepower each. It is possible to fly it with one engine if the other is damaged. “Night Hunter” features high survivability. Front and side windows of the cockpit are armored. Mi-28NE cabin is protected by ceramic armor, and Mi-28NE is able to effectively perform its tasks in a hot climate. It has a new exhaust infra-red suppression system and particle separator.
Mi-28NE is manufactured at the Rostvertol enterprise, which is a part of “Russian Helicopters” Holding Company.
