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Mi-28NM

The Mi-28NM is a modernized version of the Mi-28N Night Hunter (NATO reporting name: Havoc) combat helicopter [udarnyj vertolet]. The helicopter’s modernization started in 2009. The new model is expected to differ considerably from the basic version. Specifically, it has been reported that the Mi-28NM will get a principally new mast-mounted radar to ensure the helicopter’s panoramic view, a new control system and other equipment. The helicopter will be able to use high-precision weapons.

The Mi-28NM is roughly analogous to the American AH-64D Longbow Apache is a remanufactured and upgraded version of the AH-64A Apache attack helicopter. The primary modifications to the AH-64D Longbow Apache are the addition of a millimeter-wave Fire Control Radar (FCR) target acquisition system, the fire-and-forget Longbow Hellfire air-to-ground missile. Boeing delivered the first remanufactured Longbow Apache in March 1997, and Russia is following two decades later, though apples-to-apples details are lacking.

The helicopter is equipped with advanced radar over the rotor hub assembly that has enhanced capabilities in the use of precision weapons, including self-guided missiles, which can significantly reduce time spent in potentially dangerous situations. The helicopter features a 360-degree radar and advanced weapons guidance system that ensure faster target acquisition through an upgrade to the Mi-26NM's fire control system. Unlike its predecessor, the Mi-28NM can be piloted by the gunner and is better suited for the use of high-precision ordnance. It was upgraded so that the commander and the operating pilot can receive more information about the environment and all helicopter systems in a more accessible format, which will increase the crew's situational awareness, facilitate interaction and increase the speed of decision-making in complex combat situations.

The Mi-28NM was created after taking previously accumulated Syrian combat experience into account, and features improved engines, control and anti-air defence systems, fuselage, navigation and communications equipment, and specially created helmets with an augmented reality function to project map, intelligence and helicopter status information into the pilot and copilot's field of vision. The anti-armour helicopter is said to be capable of coordinating with autonomous drones, and can be armed with a new guided missile with a range of over 25 km.

The upgraded version will differ significantly from the basic machine. In particular, the Mi-28nm will get a brand new radar that will provide helicopter-round visibility as well as a new control system. The new rotor blade will increase the speed of the helicopter - now "Night Hunter" can accelerate to 340 km / h, and the modification will improve this figure by 10%.

The Russian TASS news agency revealed that the Mi-28NM will be armed with a new guided missile, dubbed “Article 305.” The missile will feature electro-optical seeker, an internal navigation system (INS) and will has a range of more than 25 km. It’s unclear if the new missile will be also tested in Syria.

The prototype of a modernized Mil Mi-28NM combat helicopter had already been made and the state trials of this new model were planned to be completed in 2016, rotocraft manufacturer Russian Helicopters Deputy CEO for Production and Innovations Andrei Shibitov said on 24 August 2015.

"Now this helicopter is at the stage of state trials. Everything is proceeding according to schedule. The first prototype has been made. Considering that the prototype was produced at the serial plant, we have actually prepared the serial production of Mi-28NM helicopters. The state trials are expected to be over in 2016, which will be followed by deliveries," he said. The Rosoboronexport official said that the deliveries of these upgraded helicopters were also planned for the Russian Armed Forces. "The state armaments program stipulates planned deliveries," he said.

The mass of complex avionics combat helicopter Mi-28NM - an upgraded version of the Mi-28N "Night Hunter" - will be less than its predecessor. This was announced by 17 November 2015 journalists CEO developed equipment Ramenskoye Design Company (RDC, is a concern KRET) Daniel Brenerman. "We have reduced weight and size characteristics of avionics, as well as adding to the complex helmet targeting system", - he said. Mi-28NM developed since 2009, is expected to state tests of new modification of "Night Hunter" would be completed in 2016.

CBSI is a leading developer of avionics in the composition of the group KRET and supplies avionics for virtually all aircraft and helicopters, combat aircraft. In 2015, the company expected to receive revenues of 12.5 billion rubles, about 60% of the production is in the state defense order.

It was reported in March 2019 that a prototype Mi-28NM was deployed to the Hmeymim Airbase in Syria's Latakia province to conduct field testing in high temperature and desert conditions, and to test out a new mobile radar complex. A video purportedly showing the Mi-28NM gunship, operating in tandem with a Russian military Mi-24 in Syria's Hama province, surfaced online 22 March 2019.

In the footage, which has yet to be verified or commented on by the Russian Defence Ministry, the new helicopter, distinguishable by its unique ball-shaped radar installed above its main rotor, is seen making repeated passes over a local settlement thought to contain Nusra-affiliated militants.

In May 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that 100 modernized Mi-28NM should be delivered to the Russian armed forces by 2028. The main thing that needs to be tested in severe climatic conditions is the sub-radar radar, which was not on the basic version. In addition, the Mi-28NM has a new optical-location system, the on-board computer is ten times more powerful than the one installed on the Mi-28N. Another fundamental innovation is the ability to "highlight" the target so that artillery works on it.

On June 25th, the Army-2019 forum opened at the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center outside Moscow. The Russian Helicopter Holding, part of Rostec, for the first ever presented its newest Mi-28NM [Night Hunter] attack helicopter and the Ka-52 reconnaissance and combat helicopter. The Mi-28NM is the first serialized Night Hunter. The Mi-28NM helicopter gunship is designed to search for and destroy low-speed air targets, tanks, armored and non-armored vehicles as well as enemy manpower in daytime and at night, in all weather conditions.

The Ministry of Defense of Russia until the end of 2027 will receive 98 of the latest attack helicopters Mi-28NM. The military department has signed a contract with the Russian Helicopters holding, which is part of the Rostec State Corporation. The contract was concluded27 June 2019 at the Army-2019 international military-technical forum. The Rostec press service said that next year the Rostov Helicopter Plant will deliver the first six aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The General Director of the State Corporation Sergey Chemezov commented that this is a significant contribution to the re-equipment of the Russian army with the latest technology.

Russia's Defense Ministry has decided to abandon the serial purchase of new attack helicopters Mi-28NM due to price, several military sources told Interfax on 21 February 2019. "Despite the military’s repeated attempts to lower the price of a production car, the Russian Helicopters holding refused to accept the conditions of the Ministry of Defense," one of the agency’s interlocutors said. According to him, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for more than three months has been preparing to conclude a state contract with the Russian Helicopters holding for the supply of a serial batch of Mi-28NM attack helicopters to the troops, but at the last moment the parties could not agree on the price of the contract.

In turn, a source in the Russian Aerospace Forces told Interfax that the refusal to purchase the Mi-28NM would not affect the combat effectiveness of the army. "At the moment, experimental design work on the modernization of previously delivered Mi-28 helicopters is successfully completing," he said. "Instead of the costly purchases of new helicopters from the Russian Helicopters holding, it is possible to upgrade the existing Night Hunters to bring their main characteristics to the level of Mi-28NM or to work out the issue of a corresponding increase in purchases of Ka-52 helicopters," the agency’s source said.

The introduction of crew bailout elements was previously deemed inappropriate, since a significant part of the flights was carried out at low altitudes, therefore, a number of solutions were used to allow the crew to survive without leaving the helicopter during emergency landing at speeds and overloads that significantly exceeded normal. Mi-28N had a number of key shortcomings that significantly reduce crew survival on the battlefield. There is no system for jet-propelled ejection of pilots at the Night Hunter, which allows the crew to survive in the most difficult conditions (there is a Ka-52).