Russian Helicopters showcases upgraded Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopter at Army-2018 forum

Russian Helicopters Group (part of the state-run hi-tech corporation Rostec) has demonstrated the upgraded Mil Mi-28NE ‘Night Hunter’ attack helicopter at the Army-2018 international military and technical forum, the company’s press office said on Tuesday.

The modernized Mi-28NE is on display at the forum’s static exposition. The ‘Night Hunter’ is armed with new Khrizantema anti-tank missiles and the two-channel guidance system. These missiles will make it possible to increase the range of striking the armor to 10 km. The helicopter is also furnished with modernized Ataka laser-guided missiles and features a possibility to use air bombs with a weight of up to 500 kg, the rotorcraft maker said.

Also, "the new Mi-28NE is provided with an option to interact with unmanned aerial vehicles and control them remotely, for which purpose the helicopter is equipped with special communications systems," the company’s press office said.

The helicopter’s engine and blades have also been modernized to increase their capacity and improve the chopper’s performance in high mountainous terrain and in a hot climate. The upgrade has increased the helicopter’s cruising speed and expanded its capabilities for performing aerobatic maneuvers.

"The helicopter has been furnished with new armament that will increase its firepower while the expansion of the sphere of its application will evoke still greater demand for it on the world market," Aviation Cluster Industrial Director at the state hi-tech corporation Rostec Anatoly Serdyukov said.

Russian Helicopters Group CEO Andrei Boginsky has said that the direction of developing the Mi-28 project was suggested by the experience of using helicopters of this type in combat operations.

"The modernization work has considerably expanded the Mi-28NE capabilities and opened up new prospects for export deliveries," the chief executive said.