- Yes
- No
History:
The Mi-24 or Hind most likely needs little introduction. The Mi-24 is a venerable attack helicopter made by the USSR to combine the fire power of dedicated attack helicopters and the capacity to carry a small number of troops in order to operate within flat plains. Designed in the 1960s and carrying out acceptance tests in 1970, the Mi-24 would become a staple in army aviation and as of 2026, would see service in numerous countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
The focus of this suggestion takes us to Ukraine. As the USSR dissolved and the members declaring independence, the equipment of the soviet armed forces would be split between the successors. Ukraine managed to obtain a impressive Mi-24 fleet of around 300 Mi-24 airframes of the D,P,V and RKhR variants.
Overtime however, this number would begin to decrease due to maintenance requirements and exports to other countries like North Macedonia in 2001 (though these would be returned after the full scale invasion 22 years after being sold).
Despite this, the Ukrainian Mi-24 fleet was still active in the armed forces and took part in multiple Rapid Trident exercises.
As part of the effort modernising the Ukrainian Armed forces in 2008, Aviakon, part of UkrOboronProm would modernise the Mi-24P into a domestic variant, the Mi-2PU1.
The upgrades between from the P to the PU1 variant are:
- The ability to use Barrier V atgms.
- New Sich TV3-117VMA-SBM1V-02 engines, giving a 7km altitude limit, almost 1000kg more in max take off weight, improved climb rate but a slower max speed of 312km/h.
*Handron Adros FPM-1KB laser range-finder and target designator as well as the APS-17 WPM-W sight.
*Andros KT-01 AWE jamming system and flare dispenser to improve survivability.
*Garmin GPSMAP-695 navigation system
*THL-5NV helmets with PNL-3 Bielik night-vision goggles.
(From what I’m aware, is a video of a Mi-24PU1 testing it’s armaments.)
Only 3 PU1 helicopters were complete and excepted into service.
Despite the low numbers, the Mi-24PU1 would see combat in Eastern Ukraine alongside the P variants providing fire support as part of the 11th Independent Helicopter Brigade
During the Russian full scale invasion, the PU1 would continue its role of providing fire support along with it’s usual comradery of army aviation as well as training.
In 2016, a single prototype upgrade of the PU1 was completed, known as the Mi-24PU2, which was never adopted into the armed forces due to conflict and constraints.
Specifications:
Max speed- 312km/h
Crew- 2
Armament- 1x 30 mm GSh-30-2K cannon, can also equip Barrier V, S-8, S-5, S-24, UPK-23-250, GUV-8700, FAB-100/250/500 and Shturm-V.
Weight- Around 3,400kg max take off weight
Main rotor diameter: Around 17.3 m
Sources:
https://sofrep.com/news/ukraines-mi-24-crocodile-gunships-in-action/