The Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan have received the first multi-role Mi-35M attack helicopters. The first helicopter was spotted in Almaty Airport.
At present Kazakhstan uses old Soviet Mi-24 helicopters. The multi-role Mi-35M attack helicopter is a comprehensive modernization of the Mi-24V. The Mi-35M was developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, and has been series produced at Rostvertol since 2005.
For round-the-clock combat use the Mi-35M is equipped with the latest navigation and avionics suite with multifunction colored displays, target sights system that includes a thermal imager and TV channels, laser range finder and location finder.
The Mi-35M is distinguished by its improved construction. It is equipped with the latest Klimov-produced powerful VK-2500 turboshaft engines, fiberglass main rotor blades, main rotor head with elastomeric joints, a new swashplate and X-type tail rotor. The Mi-35M’s fuselage boasts shortened stub wings and fixed landing gear.
According to the Flightglobal’s 2016 World Air Forces report, Kazakhstan presently operates 18 Mi-24 helicopters as well as 46 Mi-8 and Mi-17s. In 2016 Kazakhstan will receive four attack helicopters Mi-35M from Russia. (Russian Aviation/Business World Magazine)