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New Russian Chopper, rotors withstand 30mm fire

sundownersundowner Member Posts: 1,198 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited August 2003 in General Discussion
It's a cut-n-paste from Pravda, probably just blowing smoke . . .

http://english.pravda.ru/science/19/94/379/10745_helicopter.html

New Technologies to Help End Chechnya War
08/22/2003 14:35

The MAKS-2003 aerospace exhibition to demonstrate operational functions of modern battle helicopters

New helicopter produced by the Mil design bureau, Mi-28N, the Night Attacker helicopter exhibited at the MAKS-2003 aerospace exhibition, is the first experimental sample. Experts say that the army will be able to adopt the new model not earlier than in 2-3 years. However, it is said now that it can successfully substitute the famous Mi-24 hind attack helicopter called a flying tank.

Mi-28N radically differs from the Mi-28 helicopter as it has a completely renovated set of armament. This helicopter can successfully carry out combat missions during day and night. The Mi-28N is the only helicopter in the world that can automatically perform a flight at the height of 5-15 meters.

Mi-28N is equipped with the modern Attack operated missiles and air-to-air missiles. The helicopter is also equipped with modern onboard radio-electronic equipment of the latest generation and a night bomb-sight.

The helicopter's rotor is made of fiberglass plastic according to a new technology; it can endure blows of shells up to 30 millimeter in size. The helicopter has a passive safety function for emergency landings.

Designers of the helicopter say that development and construction of the first experimental model of Mi-28N (it was built in 1996) cost $150 million (creation of the US's first experimental model of the Apache helicopter cost about $2 billion). Within the years the design bureau enthusiastically worked on the project; the RF Ministry of Defense appropriated not a kopeck from its budget for this purpose. Designers hope that the MAKS-2003 aerospace exhibition will be a good promotion for the helicopter.

The Kamov Design Bureau will also present its new developments at the aerospace exhibition. Six helicopters of the bureau will perform demonstration flights in the framework of MAKS-2003. These will be a couple of Ka-50 helicopters (the famous Black Shark); a Ka-32 meant for fighting fires in tall houses and a radiolocation patrol helicopter Ka-31 that can detect all kinds of air targets, including cruise missiles. A helicopter with a rotating antenna will also perform a demonstration flight.

The Ka-60 Kasatka light battle helicopter and the Ka-226 helicopter with two Rolls-Royce engines with the capacity of 450 horse powers each will be demonstrated at the aerospace exhibition for the first time.

Two enterprises in the Russian cities of Orenburg and Kumertau have started production of the two helicopters. Both models will be represented at the aerospace exhibition in their military and civil modifications.




". . . let me forget about today until tomorrow"

Comments

  • ElMuertoMonkeyElMuertoMonkey Member Posts: 12,898
    edited November -1
    They may be overstating things a bit, but sounds impressive. And given the Russians' track record in designing aircraft, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
  • rldowns3rldowns3 Member Posts: 6,096
    edited November -1
    Mil, MiG, Sukhoi, ect...have all turned out some impressive, rugged aircraft, but I still have to question whether or not a rotor blade made of any composite material can withstand a 30mm shell hitting it and remain in tact, considering 30mm shells come in many varieties from explosive to armor piercing to a few other goodies.

    I would also have to consider the source...Pravda...while it may be the best(only) russian news....I'm sure in the interest of morale they may be inflating the aircrafts abilities to the public.

    annoyaliberal.jpgnotmyfault.gif
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