This deadly Russian attack helicopter is known as ‘the flying tank’
SUMMARY
The Russian-made Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter is affectionately called the "flying tank" for its ability to take hits and keep flying. The nickname is also an homage to the World War II-era Soviet Sturmovik ground-attack aircraft, which was equally hard to knock out of the sky.
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Its fuselage is surrounded by thick armor plates capable of taking .50 cal rounds from all angles. The cockpit sits on a titanium tub—much like the A-10 Thunderbolt's design—and protected by bullet-proof windshields.
Its flexible design allows the helicopter to perform fire support and infantry transport missions. Depending on the variant, the flying tank is armed with an incredible arsenal, including:
- anti-tank guided missiles
- rocket pods
- machine gun pods
- munitions dispenser pods
- mine dispenser pods
- conventional bomb pods
- and more
The gunship entered the Soviet Air Force in 1972 and continues to serve in more than 30 nations around the world as the Mi-25 and Mi-35 export versions. This video perfectly shows why this weapons system is still relevant on today's battlefields.
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