Ukraine claims bold strike: Russian "Devil's Chariot" destroyed
The Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR) reported a successful operation conducted in the Moscow region. As a result, a Mi-24 helicopter belonging to the Russian army's air force was destroyed. Let's explore this machine's features, often referred to as the "Devil's Chariot."
8:21 AM EST, November 11, 2024
"On the night of November 9 to 10, 2024, a Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter was destroyed at Klin-5 airport in the Moscow region," the HUR statement said.
A Russian Mi-24 burned down in the Moscow region
HUR points out that the destroyed helicopter was part of the 92nd squadron of the 344th Combat Use and Retraining Center for crews of the Russian army's aviation. However, it does not provide details of the operation, so we did not learn, for example, what weapons were used.
It is possible, however, that the Ukrainians used drones again. They have been attacking targets in Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles for many months. The last large-scale attack took place on Sunday, November 10. Russian authorities reported that Ukraine attacked Moscow with at least 32 drones. The largest capital airport, Sheremetyevo, was temporarily closed. According to Russian media, it was the largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow to date. Its targets were most likely important Russian industrial facilities.
The Russians' "Devil's Chariot"
The Mi-24 that was destroyed is a heavy combat helicopter produced from 1970 to 1989. It still serves in many Russian units today. It can travel at speeds over 186 mph. It is equipped with an armored fuselage that protects the crew from being hit by bullets up to 12.7 mm caliber and armored components of the drive system. The takeoff weight of the Mi-24 can reach up to 25,353 lbs.
Due to its strong armor and considerable firepower, the Mi-24 has been labeled the "Devil's Chariot." Afghans were the first to give it this nickname.
