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Ukraine Announces Destruction of Russian Mi-24 Attack Helicopter in Moscow Region.
On the night of November 9-10, 2024, a Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter was reportedly destroyed by fire at the Klin-5 airfield in the Moscow region, according to information shared by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. This incident marks a notable event in the ongoing conflict, symbolizing a targeted strike on Russian military aviation assets near the capital region.
The Mi-24 is a Russian twin-engine combat helicopter. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
The destroyed helicopter belonged to the 92nd squadron within the 344th Center for Combat Training and Personnel Retraining of Russian Army Aviation, a specialized center under the Russian Armed Forces responsible for training combat aviation crews.
The announcement, published on the GUR's official Telegram channel, was also accompanied by a statement from Ukrainian military intelligence asserting that each act of aggression committed by Russian forces would be met with retribution. Although no additional details were provided regarding the exact circumstances of the fire, this event highlights the persistent tensions and the intensity of targeted actions within the ongoing conflict.
The Mil Mi-24 is a twin-engine combat helicopter designed to provide direct fire support to ground units. Known by its NATO designation "Hind," this model stands out for its ability to carry out direct attacks, especially against armored targets, in addition to its support missions. Developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s, its first flight took place on September 15, 1969, and many versions have since been produced. An exported version, the Mi-35, remains in service in certain armies, including that of the Czech Republic, demonstrating the evolution of this emblematic model over the decades.
One of the distinctive features of the Mi-24 is its transport cabin, which is connected to the two-seat cockpit. This configuration allows it to carry up to eight soldiers, providing troop transport capability while retaining its role as an attack helicopter. The aircraft is equipped with wings spanning 6.54 meters, which not only serve as mounting points for weaponry but also reduce the load on the main rotor by up to 30% at higher speeds, enhancing its maneuverability. The helicopter is powered by two TV3-117V engines, each delivering 1638 kW, allowing a maximum takeoff weight of 12,000 kg and a top speed of 335 km/h.
Underneath the cockpit is a rotating turret equipped with a four-barrel 12.7 mm machine gun model 9-A-624, increasing its strike capability. The wings can also carry a wide range of additional weaponry, including auxiliary fuel tanks, unguided rocket pods, bombs, cannon pods, grenade launchers, and even guided anti-tank missiles. The Mi-24 series has continued in production, with the latest versions of the Mi-35, attesting to its reliability and adaptability to modern needs. The Mi-24 remains an iconic military aircraft, combining versatility and robustness for various missions, whether in direct ground support or in precision attacks against enemy targets.