The Soviet Union developed the Mil Mi-28, a twin-engine attack helicopter, in the early 1980s. It is now referred to as the “Havoc” in NATO reporting. The Mi-28 was developed in response to the necessity for a specialized assault helicopter following the introduction of the Mi-24. The Soviet military sought a design that prioritized speed and agility over personnel transport capabilities, resulting in a classic single-rotor configuration.
The “Night Hunter” made its inaugural flight during the Soviet Union’s existence in November 1982, and state trials commenced in 1986. Nevertheless, the Kamov Ka-50, which was favored for its sophisticated capabilities, presented a challenge to the Mi-28. In spite of this, the Mi-28 continued to develop and was formally authorized for production in December 1987.
The modern Mi-28N model of the “Night Hunter” was the outcome of the helicopter’s initial significant upgrade in 1996. Nevertheless, it required an additional 13 years for the Russian military to officially use the helicopter. The Mi-28NM, also known as the “Super Hunter,” made its inaugural flight in 2016. Seven years later, this innovation has not only reached the heavens but has also demonstrated its effectiveness.
Currently, the “Night Hunter” serves as the primary assault helicopter for Russia. It is now considered one of the finest in the world, and it is a worthy competitor to the US AH-64 Apache, having undergone extensive development. The Mi-28 is predominantly intended to engage low-speed aerial targets, personnel, and enemy armored vehicles. In order to accomplish this, it implements an extensive array of guided and unguided weaponry, such as the “Shturm-V,” “Ataka-V,” and “Ataka-VM” anti-tank missile systems, as well as unguided rocket armaments such as the NAR S-13 and NAR S-8. Additionally, it has been equipped with a 30-mm 2A42 automatic cannon that can fire 250 projectiles. The “Night Hunter” has historically employed the “Strelets” system with “Igla-V” missiles to engage aerial targets.
The Kalashnikov Concern has recently commenced the supply of modernized 9M127-1 Vikhr-1 multipurpose tactical missiles to the Russian Aerospace Forces, which are equipped with an updated guidance system. The Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28N Night Hunter combat helicopters use them.
While it is difficult to strike an aerial target with an air-to-air missile, it is even more difficult to do so with an automatic canon, especially when the target is small in comparison to the Mi-28. It is intriguing that the Mi-28NM was recently able to shoot down a Ukrainian drone in a specialized military operation zone. Despite the rarity of such successes, this incident underscores the competence of Russian military pilots and the capabilities of Russian helicopters.
The Russian military has been using the Mi-28NM “Super Night Hunter” since 2019. It was initially deployed in Syria, where it was subjected to testing in dry and mountainous terrain. The helicopter that had been modernized demonstrated exceptional performance and was promptly recommended for official adoption. The 1996 Mi-28N, which can be considered a mere prototype in comparison to the fully combat-ready “Super Hunter,” is substantially different from the 2016 model. The Mi-28NM incorporates modern avionics, advanced weaponry, and new engines.
The Mi-28NM is equipped with powerful TV3-117 engines, which enhance its maneuverability and speed. This implies that it can operate effectively in challenging combat conditions and respond to hazards more promptly. The emergence of a dual-set control system is another intriguing aspect: the helicopter can now be controlled by both the pilot and the armaments operator if necessary. This enhances combat safety.
The AS-UAV system is another notable feature that allows the Mi-28NM personnel to communicate with friendly drones that happen to be in close proximity. The helicopter’s navigator has the ability to use combat drones as auxiliary tools or acquire valuable reconnaissance data from drones. The helicopter’s strike capabilities and survivability are substantially improved by this system.
The cockpit is robustly armored with lightweight titanium armor and ceramic tiles, providing protection against small arms fire up to 12.7 mm caliber and fragments from 20 mm projectiles. The design incorporates energy-absorbing seats and landing gear, which enable the personnel to endure a vertical fall of up to 12 m/s, thereby enhancing safety during crash landings.
The new N025 radar is the Mi-28NM’s most notable feature. Although its detection range is not as extensive as the Ka-52M’s radar, which can monitor targets at distances of 100 km or more, the N025 radar provides 360-degree coverage, a feature that the Ka-52 radar currently lacks. This renders the “Super Night Hunter” an airborne “All-Seeing Eye” in addition to a formidable predator. It is important to note that the Mi-28NM and Ka-52M are in perfect harmony, and when used in conjunction with drones, no target can be left undetected.
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