MI-28A/N Havoc Attack Helicopter

Seen by many as the Russian answer to the Apache, the MI-28 Havoc attack helicopter is a sophisticated tank-killer.

MI-28N Havoc - note the radar pod mounted above the main rotors.

The MI-28 'Havoc' has had a long and difficult development history, beginning in the early 80s when it competed, and lost, to the KA-50 in Soviet procurement trials. The design lived on into the mid 90s in the form of the Mi-28N, a more sophisticated variant, kitted out with advanced sensors (notably a radar / flir pod mounted above the main rotor) and fire control systems. The MI-28N is now in active service within the Russian military and is available for export.

The Havoc can carry a range of weapons into battle. A 30mm 2A42 cannon is mounted beneath the nose and can pivot through 200 degrees. The MI-28's stub wings include counter measure pods stuffed with infra-red and electronic jammers, flare/chaff launchers and contain hardpoints for a variety of air-to-surface ordinance. Typical loudout includes unguided folding-fin rockets of various calibers in underslung pods and Shturm radio-guided and/or Ataka radar-guided anti-tank missiles. As with most modern gunships, crew survivability is paramount and the Havoc 's cockpits are heavily armored.

A range of ordinance can be carried by the MI-28 including rocket pods and AT-missiles. The Havoc is designed to be multi-role and a full compliment of air-to-air missiles can be carried in the escort role.

The MI-28's NPPU-28 30mm cannon uses the same ammunition as Russian armored units.The Havoc's gun has been designed to be dual role - it is equally effective at engaging ground and air targets.

MI-28N HAVOC FEATURES

shock-absorbing landing gear for increased crash survivability
special armored compartment at rear for carrying 2 personnel - either downed air crew or special forces
360 degree millimetre-wave radar dome atop main rotor mast
emergency bail-out system alows crew to escape from a damaged Havoc in-flight.

The Mi-28N's fire control system includes a helmet-mounted target designator which is slaved to pilot's line of sight. Sensors include narrow/wide field-of-view optical and video. A microwave radar fitted in a pod over the rotor can detect, target and anti-tank guide missiles. Other sensors include a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system.

MI-28N Havoc Attack Helicopter Specifications

The Havoc's laser designator is housed beneath the helciopter's nose. The improved MI-28N has additonal radar/flir/low-light video sensors in a mast-mounted dome above the rotors.

Crew	2 - With Pilot seated above and behind Gunner
Engines	2× Klimov TV3-117VMA 1,950 horsepower
Dimensions	L - 17.01 m W (rotor span) - 17.20 m H - 3.82 m
Weights	5,910 kg (empty) 11500 kg (max takeoff)
Max Speed	324 kph
Range	460 km
Armament	30 mm NPPU-28 (300 rounds) 80mm/130mm unguided rockets up to 16 AT-6 anti-tank missiles various cannon/machine gun pods AA-11/ SA-16 air-to-air missiles
Avionics	FLIR Microwave Radar Narrow-field Video Laser Designator Infra-red jammers Radar warning receivers Laser warning receivers

MI-28A Havoc - This photo dates from 1989.

INTERNAL LINKS
mi-28 havoc video :
mi-28 showcase

EXTERNAL LINKS
Mi-28 photo gallery @ MI Helicopters Manufacturer's Website