Mil Mi-24

The Mil Mi‑24, often known as the “Hind,” is a Soviet‑designed attack and transport helicopter that entered service in 1972 under the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. Conceived during the Cold War to combine firepower with battlefield mobility, the Mi‑24 became the first production helicopter capable of carrying eight troops while simultaneously providing close‑air support with a 23 mm cannon, rockets, anti‑tank missiles, and a side‑mounted gun pod. Its twin‑turbo‑shaft powerplant delivers 2,200 hp, granting a top speed of 335 km/h and an operational ceiling of 6,000 m, while amphibious landing gear and armored survivability enable missions in hostile environments. The Hind saw extensive combat in Afghanistan, the Iran‑Iraq War, and later in the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East, proving its versatility in both high‑intensity and counter‑insurgency operations. Over 2,400 units have been produced, and numerous upgraded variants—such as the Mi‑24V/D, Mi‑35M, and export‑focused Hind‑F—extend its service life with modern avionics and weaponry. The Mi‑24’s blend of heavy armament, troop‑transport capacity, and rugged design has cemented its status as a landmark in rotary‑wing aviation, influencing subsequent attack‑helicopter concepts worldwide.

Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant

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