Article Posted on : - Oct 17, 2016

An Mi-28 attack helicopter. A Russian Helicopters photo

MOSCOW (BNS): A modernized Mi-28 combat helicopter fitted with a new radar, command & control systems, and an integrated avionics suite has made its maiden flight last week.

The upgraded Mi-28N attack rotorcraft took to the sky at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters, on October 13 in the presence of Russian Deputy Minister of Defence, Yuri Borisov.

"Yuri Borisov approved the modernization schedule and expressed confidence that the modified attack Mi-28N will make a significant contribution to improving combat capabilities of units and subunits of the Defence Ministry's Russian Army Aviation," Russian Helicopters said in a statement.

According to the company's CEO Alexander Mikheev, the upgraded Mi-28N is a highly effective attack helicopter, which is able to perform a wide range of tasks, from aerial reconnaissance and target designation to destruction of diverse ground and air targets. Among its main advantages are not only agility and ability to operate around the clock, but also increased firepower.

The helicopter has been equipped with a new front cabin crew that would enable the commander and the operating pilot to receive more information about the environment and all helicopter systems in a more accessible format, which would increase crew situational awareness, facilitate interaction and increase the speed of decision-making in complex combat situations.

It is also equipped with a new guidance, navigation and flight control system besides an advanced radar over the rotor hub assembly. The new radar has enhanced capabilities in the use of precision weapons, including self-guided missiles.

The gunship has been designed using new materials and design solutions and is less visible for the ground-based air defence.

The weapons suite of the new combat helicopter include guided and unguided missiles, bombs, as well as a movable gun mount with a 30mm calibre gun.