Russian Helicopters-The MIL MI-28 Havoc

The Mil Helicopter Corporation has produced some ofthe lower compartment, by an armored partition. The
the former Soviet Union's and presently the RussianHavoc cockpit is equipped with modern observation,
Federation's most capable helicopters. From the heavytargeting and communication systems.
lifting MI-6 of the 1950's to the MI-24 of the seventiesPower for the havoc is derived from two Kilmov
and eighties, the MIL Corporation has a strong andTV3-117VMA turbo shaft engines rated at 2,100 SHP
proud heritage of helicopter design and production. The(shaft horsepower) each. The engine is optimized for
MI-28 Havoc adds to that legacy.use from unprepared landing areas where there might
The MI-28 is a purpose built helicopter gunship. It'sbe a significant amount of dust and debris present that
similar in shape and appearance to the U.S. AH-64could potentially harm the engine. The engines use
Apache. The Havoc is able to perform a number ofseparators and defectors to prevent it from ingesting
missions including anti-armor, escort, armedanything hazardous. The helicopter also has an APU
reconnaissance, target designation, and engaging other(auxiliary power unit), which it can use for operations
aircraft in air to air combat.where a ground power unit is not available. Another
The Havoc has a tandem cockpit. The pilot andsurvivability item is the fuel tanks. The tanks are filled
navigator/gunner sit in two separate cockpits andwith polyurethane foam, which reduces the risk of
have separate canopies. The Havoc also has a bayexplosion. The helicopter uses baffles and a thermal
under the pilots that's accessible by a hatch. The baymixer to reduce its exhaust gas temperature in order
can hold up to three people and is used to rescueto lessen its infrared signature making it less venerable
other downed pilots. As with other Russian aircraft theto targeting systems and weapons that use "heat" to
helicopter is built to operate from remote locations withfind and lock onto targets.
little support. The aircraft is tough and survivable. ItsThe Havoc is able to use a wide variety of weapons
landing gear doesn't retract and along with the crashto include unguided rockets, infrared air to air and air to
absorbing seats are able to withstand a vertical fall ofground missiles as well as radar guided missiles. The
36ft/sec. The aircrew is also able to bail out of apilot is in control of the unguided weapons such as
heavily damaged helicopter by jettisoning the wingsrockets while the navigator controls the guided
and cockpit hatches.munitions.
The Havoc's cockpit is fully armored to include theAs mentioned earlier the Havoc has a crew of two, a
windscreen. The pilot sits in the higher, rearmostpilot and a gunner. It has a maximum speed of 187
compartment separated from the navigator who sits inmph and a combat range of 320 miles.