First contract signed to export Russia's newest Mi-28NE 'Night Hunter' helicopters

Rosoboronexport is actively promoting Russia's newest Mi-28NE "Night Hunter" and Ka-52 helicopters on the world market, Rosoboronexport deputy head Alexander Mikheyev said at the Le Bourget air show on Monday.

"The first Mi-28NE export contract has been signed," he said, without adding how many helicopters would be sold and to what country.

Concerning export prospects of the Ka-52, which made its first global appearance in Le Bourget, Mikheyev said, "Negotiations are underway. There have been official bids. The interest is keen."

The Ka-52 "is an assault and reconnaissance helicopter, which means it may be used broadly," he said. "We hope to find a buyer soon," Mikheyev said.

The Ka-52 helicopter will take part in exhibition flights on Monday.

The next-generation all-weather day-and-night Ka-52 has been adopted by the Russian Air Force. It is capable of destroying armored and soft ground targets, low-speed airborne targets and enemy personnel on the frontline and at a tactical depth, perform reconnaissance missions and control of a group of assault helicopters.

Its takeoff weight is 10,800 kilograms, with a top speed is 310 kilometers per hour. It has a cruise speed of 250 kilometers per hour, it can fly sideways at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the rearward speed is 90 kilometer per hour, the practical range is 520 kilometers, the hovering ceiling is 3,600 meters, the full length is 16 meters, the lift rotor diameter is 14.5 meters.

It has a two-man crew and the climb speed is 10 meters per second. Maximum acceleration factor is 3.5g.


Source: Interfax News - 17 June 2013

Photo: The Russia's newest Mi-28NE "Night Hunter" Attack Helicopter (Photo by gadgetfreak.gr)


(17.06.2013)