Jakub Fojtík describes the development of the Mi-24 gunship variants and their most commonly carried weapons
When unveiled in the 1970s, Mil’s Mi-24 (NATO reporting name Hind) presented an awe-inspiring sight…but even then, Soviet squadron commanders and pilots were aware of shortcomings in its design.
Just six years after the arrival of the groundbreaking Mi-24A (Hind-A), a more formidable variant appeared; it and its derivatives would quickly become the main production variants.
The results of Soviet Army trials and deployments of the Mi-24A in ‘hot-and-high’ locations were analysed thoroughly by technicians and experts, to isolate any potential ‘Achilles heels’ for the type. Although many units equipped with early Hind variants were deployed in the Caucasus and USSR’s Central Asian territories, the main battlefield was Europe. Here, the Mi-24’s primary role was to destroy NATO tank forces. At the beginning of the 1970s just the Mi-8TV (Hip-C) and Mi-4AV (Hound-A/C) were available for such roles, but these lacked protection systems and engine power. A new tank-buster with heavy firepower, increased armour and good flight characteristics was needed, but initial experience with Mi-24As revealed it was unsuited to this role.
