Russian helicopter crews perform flights at extremely low altitudes in western Siberia drills.

YEKATERINBURG, September 21. /TASS-DEFENSE/. Crews of Mil Mi-8AMTSh-V (NATO reporting name: Hip) and Mi-24 (Hind) helicopters of the Central Military District have practiced training flights at extremely low altitudes in the Novosibirsk Region in western Siberia, the military district’s press office said.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

Mil Mi-8AMTSh-VN (Picture source: Air Recognition)

“During the exercise, the servicemen trained takeoff in pairs, formation flying and flying with minimal intervals at an altitude of up to 150 m. Besides, the pilots practiced detecting and identifying a simulated enemy’s mobile and fixed ground targets, attacking them and dodging attacks by ground-to-air missiles,” the press office said.

The training flights involved about 50 flight and ground personnel.

Mi-8AMTSh helicopter

The Mi-8AMTSh is a transport/combat helicopter based on the Mi-8AMT multipurpose rotorcraft. The helicopter has an advanced avionics suite, guided weapons and increased armor protection. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 13 tons, a maximum speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), a cruising speed of 230 km/h (143 mph), a range of 610 kilometers (379 miles) and a payload of 4 tons. It carries up to 26 troops or 12 injured soldiers on stretchers accompanied by medical personnel. The Mi-8AMTSh has a three-strong crew (pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer). It is powered by two TV3-117VM turboshaft engines of 2,100 hp. The helicopter was made operational with the Russian Air Force in 2009.

Mi-24 helicopter

The Mi-24 is a Soviet- and subsequently Russian-made attack helicopter developed by the Mil Experimental Design Bureau (currently known as the Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Center, part of the Russian Helicopters Group). It is designed to provide fire support on the battlefield, perform airborne landing and transport troops.

The Mi-24 has become the first specialized combat helicopter in Europe and the second in the world. Today, the Mi-24 has more than 30 versions, including flying laboratories, chemical reconnaissance, mine-laying, antisubmarine warfare, patrol, rescue variants, etc. They are in service in more than 50 countries.

© Copyright 2022 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.