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The Hind Attack Helicopter 

One of the most interesting aircraft on display at the recent Aire06 display at Murcia’s Spanish Air Force Academy was the MI-24V Hind helicopter. 

This is a massive flying fortress that is a mainstay of Russian and other air forces of the former Soviet Union.  The big helicopter on display at San Javier air base belonged to the Czech Air Force 231 Tiger Squadron and it had been flown down to Spain by Captain Martin Vanis and his crew of a co-pilot and flight engineer. 

Captain Vanis explained that they had stopped twice to refuel while crossing France and that they took off at 5am and reached San Javier at 9pm.  There are 18 Hinds in the Tiger Squadron.  The MI-24V Hind is the newest model of the range and it was delivered just two years ago. 

NATO first became aware of the development of this “flying tank” back in 1972 and it gave it the name “Hind.”  Since then the helicopter has been in service with more than 30 countries. 

Captain Vanis said that the Hind was a pleasure to fly.  The stubby wings give about a 30 per cent improvement in lift at speeds over 130.  About 3,000 Hinds are thought to have been made of which about 900 have been sold outside Russia. 

The big attack helicopter was a fascinating sight and more information about the Czech air force can be found at www.army.cz. 

Technical Details: 

Rotor diameter                                  Main 17.3metres, Tail 3.9.

Wing Span                                         6.5 metres

Length                                                21.6 meters (rotors turning) 17.5 fuselage

Height                                                 13feet 11 inches, 6.5 metres (gear extended)

Weight                                                Maximum gross 11 S500 kg

                                                            Normal takeoff 11 100kg

                                                            Empty 8 500kg

Fuel                                                     Internal 1,850litres

                                                            Internal auxiliary tank (in cabin) 1 227 litres

                                                            Exterior fuel tank 500 litres each

Engine                                                Two 2,200 shp Isotov TV-3-117

Maximum speed                               168 miles per hour, 335 kilometres per hour

Cruising speed                                  295 kph

Range                                                 Normal load 450 kilometres

                                                            With auxiliary fuel 950 kilometres

Service ceiling                                   4 500 metres

Maximum “g” force                            1.75g

end

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