Rostvertol, part of the Russian Helicopters holding company, has started mass production of Mi-28NE combat helicopter with dual controls. This allows operation of the helicopter by both a pilot and an operator pilot acting as an instructor.
While retaining all the attack helicopter functions, Mi-28NE with dual controls considerably simplifies the military pilot training process. The modernized Night Hunter features an increased cockpit working size and modern energy-absorbing seats.
The Mi-28NE modernization program has been implemented by Rostvertol together with the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant under the management of Russian Helicopters. Mil. The Mi-28NE prototype with dual controls was peoduced in 2014. The state joint tests were finished at the end of 2015.
Alexander Mikheev, the Director General of Russian Helicopters, said: “The unique capabilities of the new combat helicopter create excellent prospects for its marketing both in Russia and abroad.” At the moment two contracts for the supply of the modernized Mi-28NE abroad have been signed.
Like its predecessor, the Mi-28NE with dual controls is a new-generation high-performance all-weather attack helicopter. The aircraft is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including destruction of armored vehicles, engagement of low-speed low-altitude airborne targets, aerial reconnaissance, as well as target indication for combat helicopters and planes.
Among the main advantages of Mi-28NE with dual controls are not only its maneuverability and round-the-clock operation, but also its firepower. The helicopter weapons include guided and unguided missiles, as well as a flexible gun mount with a 30-mm gun.
All the helicopter vital systems and units are duplicated. The crew cabin is safely armored, which provides protection against armor-piercing bullets and projectiles of up to 20 mm in caliber. The helicopter crew is seated in the cockpit in tandem, thereby achieving good visibility and effective pilot protection. The designers brought ergonomics of the Night Hunter cockpit to perfection.
The new Night Hunter” is especially resistant to combat damage, which is achieved due to the use of the newest materials and design solutions. The main rotor blades of Mi-28NE with dual controls are made of composite materials, which allows to safely complete a flight after they have been hit by 20- to 30-mm shells. The fuel system design excludes explosion or ignition of fuel. In addition, the helicopter possesses minimum possible observability for ground-based air defenses.
The modernized Mi-28NE is equipped with an integrated avionics complex. The use of this complex based on cartographic information allows the search, detection and identification of ground and air targets, determining their coordinates and transmission of target indication to ground and air command posts.
