The Russians deployed all-time gunboats in Mi-35M in Syria. The aircraft was spotted in the province of Latakia, flying over the base of Humaymim, in a video broadcast by Russia Today.
We know that in Syria the Russians have deployed twelve Mi-24PN helicopters, but the one taken up by the Russian broadcaster captures the modernized version of the Mi-24V, the Mi-35M, developed for the foreign market, but in service with the army from the 2011 . The number of new helicopters deployed in Syria is unknown today. The Russian rotor attack force operates from four bases: Humaymim, Al-Shayrat, Hamah and Tiyas.
In production from the 2005, the Mi-35M is the evolution of the Mi-24V. Equipped with the non plus ultra of Russian avionics with new Glonass-GPS navigation systems, electro-optical tracking and multifunction display, it inherits the heavy armor and the characteristics of the "flying tank". The main role of thePrice, is the close support with ability to engage and destroy armored vehicles, UAVs and helicopters. Although it can also support the operations of special departments, this task is now entrusted to the most recent Ka-52.
However, the Mi-35M has improvements over the standard gunboat. It differs from the basic model for the main rotor, the same as the Mi-28 and for the X-shaped tail rotor. The main rotor blades, made of fiberglass, guarantee a new aerodynamic profile. The two new Klimov VK-2500 engines give greater flight performance. The wings also reduced, so as to reduce the weight of the external load. Even the trolley, which has become fixed, has helped to lighten the weight of the helicopter: a further extra protection for the crew (no longer "Matrosovs Mandatory") in the event of an impact. It is armed with a GSh-231 twin-cannon from 23 millimeters, Ataka-V / Shturm-V anti-tank missiles and Igla air-to-air missiles. The Mi-35M can carry rocket pods of various caliber: 57, 80, 130 and 240 millimeters.
The one seen in Syria is almost certainly version III of the Mi-35M. Despite updates and heavy armor, the Hind remains hostage to its original design: those exhaust nozzles placed on the two sides of the fuselage under the rotor that have made it historically vulnerable to heat-guided missiles. In Syria i Stinger they shouldn't be there. In theory.
