The Mil Mi-24 is a large combat helicopter, a gunship, and low-capacity troop transport operated from 1976 by the Soviet Air Force, its successors, and over thirty nations. Its NATO reporting name is Hind. Soviet pilots called the aircraft the 'crocodile'.
The core was taken from the Mil Mi-8 — two top-mounted turboshaft engines driving a 17.3 m five-blade main rotor. The body is heavily armored with titanium rotor blades resistant to 12.7mm rounds. The cockpit is overpressurized for NBC protection.
Limitations
The high size and weight limit endurance and maneuverability. In tight banking turns it can roll dangerously as the wings lose lift. To counter this, Russians operate the aircraft in pairs or larger groups with coordinated multi-direction attacks. These problems prompted development of the Mi-28 and Ka-50 as replacements.
Afghanistan
Operated extensively during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The US supplied Stinger missiles to the Mujaheddin; around 300 Hinds were lost during combat operations.
Specifications (Hind D)
Since 1978, around 2,000 Hinds have been manufactured, 600 for export. The newest Mi-24VM variant (1995) features updated avionics, lighter rotors, and support for Ataka, Shturm and Igla-V missiles.