Ukrainian drone downs Russian Mi‑28 helicopter in Kursk clash

Russia lost another one of its helicopters. The Mi-28 was defeated in a clash with a Ukrainian drone that struck the machine on August 6 in the Kursk region. The Aviation Service, on its Facebook channel, points out that Russia confirmed the loss of the crew. The pilot reportedly died, and the navigator was injured. What is known about Mi-28 helicopters?

On Tuesday, August 6, Russia lost at least two helicopters, including the Ka-52 and the aforementioned Mi-28 attack helicopter. Recordings and photos from the impact indicate a drone hit it in the rear part of the fuselage. Ukrainian soldiers from the M2 SBU Special Operations Center unit most likely carried out the attack.

The Mi-28 (NATO code "Havoc") is a Russian two-seater attack helicopter built in a tandem arrangement. In practice, this means the navigator or co-pilot sits directly behind the pilot. The machine was created because the Russians wanted their own equivalent of the renowned American Apache helicopters, which are known and appreciated worldwide.

Design work on the Mi-28 began in the early 1980s, and the first prototype flew in 1982. However, the program for building these helicopters was interrupted because the Russian authorities opted for the Ka-50 as the light combat helicopter for the Russian army. The project was revived in 2008 when the Russians began working on the Mi-28N.

The Mi-28N version was introduced to the Russian army in 2009. It differs from its predecessor, among other things, by installing a radar in an oval housing located above the main rotor. Additionally, the machine is equipped with a thermal imaging camera and a laser rangefinder. Interestingly, the Mi-28N is powered by two Klimov TV3-117VMA-SB3 engines (3,300 hp each), which, until 2016, were produced by the Ukrainian company Motor-Sich. In 2016, they were replaced by Russian-made engines, the VK-2500.

The Mi-28N is over 56 feet long and nearly 13 feet tall, with a rotor diameter of 56 feet. Its maximum take-off weight is estimated at 25,300 lbs, and its maximum payload is 5,180 lbs. This Russian attack helicopter can move at speeds exceeding 186 mph, and its range is about 286 miles. The primary armament of the Mi-28N is the 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon.