Mi-28N(E) Helicopter

The Mi-28N(E) helicopter is a classic single-rotor design with a tail rotor. The fuselage is an all-metal semi-monocoque. The Mi-28N(E) helicopter was developed taking into account the experience of creating and using in combat both Mi-35 helicopters, delivered to more than 20 countries and participating in more than 30 local wars and armed conflicts, and other helicopters of a similar purpose. The Mi-28N(E) helicopter is highly reliable, combat-ready, and has excellent performance characteristics. In particular, the helicopter is resistant to harsh operating conditions and can be adapted to the latest equipment and weapons systems. The helicopter is highly maneuverable. It is capable of performing aerobatics (Nesterov loop, Immelmann, barrel, etc.), which allows it to effectively perform anti-missile maneuvers in combat. Typical tasks are: destruction of armored vehicles, pillboxes/dzot type firing points, artillery, anti-aircraft weapons and small enemy surface targets; destruction of low-flying, low-speed air targets (helicopters, UAVs, military transport); aerial reconnaissance, target designation for combat helicopters and aircraft when solving strike missions; air support of ground forces on the battlefield and destruction of enemy manpower; patrolling dangerous areas and fighting sabotage and terrorist groups. The helicopter is equipped with high-power VK-2500-02 engines, which are a further development of the TV3-117 engine family. VK-2500-02 engines have: increased altitude; a longer designated service life than the TV3-117 (up to 6,000 hours); and ensure: efficient operation of the helicopter in high temperatures; flight and landing safety with one inoperative engine. The design of the engine turbine uses new heat-resistant materials, a reinforced first-stage compressor disk, and an electronic-mechanical engine control system. This made it possible to increase the temperature of gases in front of the compressor turbine and the free turbine, and to increase the rotation speed of the turbocharger. The engine provides "maximum" and "emergency" modes when flying with one engine running. Spherical elastomer hinges are used in the design of the main rotor hub for the first time. Self-lubricating metal-fluoroplastic and fabric bearings are used in other hub hinge joints, as a result of which there are no lubrication points on the hub. The Mi-28N(E) is equipped with an X-shaped tail rotor, which provides better performance compared to a conventional tail rotor of a classic design. The takeoff and landing gear is made according to a three-support design with a tail steering wheel. The increased shock absorption travel of the chassis and energy-absorbing seats make it possible to withstand significant overloads during an emergency landing. The helicopter is equipped with the BREO-28(E) onboard radio-electronic equipment complex. The BREO-28(E) complex is designed to solve navigation and piloting tasks, combat use, ensure flight safety, control the complex systems and general helicopter equipment at any time of day or night in normal and adverse weather conditions. To protect the helicopter from being hit by aircraft missiles (ARK), anti-aircraft missiles (SAM) and anti-aircraft artillery systems (ZAK) by detecting threats and countering attacking means, the Mi-28N(E) helicopter is equipped with an onboard defense complex. High combat survivability of the Mi-28N(E) helicopter in conditions of intensive counteraction by enemy air defense systems is ensured by duplication and backup of the most vital systems. In order to increase combat survivability, the engines on the Mi-28N(E) are located on the sides of the fuselage and separated by the main gearbox, which reduces the likelihood of damage. The capability of flying on one engine with its automatic switching to emergency mode in case of failure or damage of the second one is ensured. The crew cabin is armored, the most important systems and units of the helicopter are shielded. The selected layout also made it possible to increase the survivability of the helicopter, to use a nose rotating gun mount, providing a given firing accuracy and faster, in comparison with the rotation of the entire helicopter, transfer of the gun barrel to large angles. To prevent explosion and fuel leakage in case of damage to the fuel tanks by 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm bullets and shrapnel, all main fuel tanks are filled with polyurethane foam and installed in protective containers. To ensure the survivability of the crew when performing a combat mission on the helicopter, a set of measures was taken to armor the crew cabin and life-support units of the helicopters. The main elements of armor protection are: Multilayer armored glass of the pilot's cabin and operator's cabin; Armor plates on the pilot's door and operator's hatch. The applied armor of the crew cabin can withstand a direct hit from: 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullets; 20 mm high-explosive fragmentation shells; guided missile fragments. The composite material main rotor blades installed on the helicopter allow them to remain operational when hit by artillery shells up to 30 mm in caliber. Effective performance of combat missions is ensured by a range of weapons consisting of: a fixed mobile gun mount NPPU-28 with a 2A42 cannon of 30 mm caliber; Ataka (up to 16 missiles) and Strelets (up to 4 missiles) guided missiles; 4 B8V20-A blocks (20 missiles each) for launching S-8 unguided missiles of 80 mm caliber; up to 4 B13L1 blocks with S-13 unguided aircraft missiles of 122 mm caliber.