Russian Helicopters To Deliver 8 Mi-28UB 'Night Hunter' Attack Helicopters To Russian MoD This Year

Russian Helicopters will deliver the first batch of eight Mi-28UB combat training helicopters, a new version of the battle-tested Mi-28N “Night Hunter” ground attack helicopter, to the Russian defense ministry by this year end.

The Mi-28UB, designed for the Russian Aerospace Forces, passed state tests successfully and is undergoing user acceptance testing at the company, the press release states.

"Production of the first Mi-28UB batch is an extremely important event not only for Rosvertol and Russian Helicopters but also for our colleagues from the Russian Ministry of Defense. The delivery of modernized Night Hunters will begin soon. The Mi-28 proved its efficiency, so we are expecting that its training version will be of great demand in armies. This dual control helicopter breaks new ground for training flight personnel for machines of this type," said Andrey Boginsky, CEO of the Russian Helicopters holding.

The main difference of Mi-28UB from a classical Night Hunter is the dual control system that allows piloting the helicopter from both command cockpit and operator's cockpit. There are other special characteristics. For example, ergonomics is enhanced significantly: energy-attenuating seats with improved characteristics are installed in the cockpit; they can absorb shock energy in case of crash landing. Airborne avionics and communication tools have also been changed, and this increased the helicopter's reliability, safety and performance specifications significantly.

The Mi-28UB, as well as its predecessor, preserves its maneuvering capability and can carry out military tasks at any time of the day or night. The Mi-28UB can be used for fire support of land advanced units and antitank defense. The helicopter possesses improved armor protection and is characterized by high tolerance to battle damage and equipped with a large weapon system.

In accordance with the approved schedule, the company delivers the whole line of produced helicopters to the Ministry and modernizes equipment produced for the Russian Ministry of Defense in cooperation with Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and under the guidance of Russian Helicopters.