Ever wondered about the intimidating machine before you? This is the Mil Mi-24 D Hind. It is a Soviet-era attack helicopter. It was designed for close air support. It could also destroy armored targets.
This helicopter is more than just a gunship. It could transport up to eight fully equipped soldiers. Alternatively, it could carry 1,500 kg of material in its cargo bay. This included additional fuel tanks.
The Mil Mi-24’s development began in the 1960s. Designers used components from the Mi-8 helicopter. The first prototype took flight in 1969. A key feature is its cockpit. It extends into a cargo compartment.
Look at the helicopter’s main armament. It features a four-barrel rotary machine gun. This 9A624 gun is 12.7 mm caliber. It is located in the nose turret. It holds up to 1,470 cartridges. Additional equipment could hang from four suspension points under the auxiliary wings. These could be UB-32 blocks. Each held 32 S-5 missiles of 57 mm caliber. Alternatively, it could carry four 100 or 250 kg air bombs. It could even carry two 500 kg bombs or napalm containers.
The Mi-24D type entered service in 1976. It was a modified version of the Mi-24A. The cockpit was remodeled. The gunner sits in front of the pilot.
Notice the wingspan is 6.536 meters. The wing assists the main rotor. It provides up to 30% lift at higher speeds. It also serves as a place for weapons. The helicopter has a three-wheel retractable landing gear.
This Mil Mi-24 D Hind has impressive specifications. It has a high-speed cruise of 310 km per hour. Its maximum flight distance is 750 km. It can reach a flight ceiling of 4,500 meters.
This particular Mi-24 D Hind with the hull number 0151 was made in 1981. It was delivered to Czechoslovakia. It mainly flew from Prostejov and Pilsen airfields. It was retired in the mid-1990s. Then it became a training aid at the University of Defense Brno.
Because of this, it kept its original camouflage. Other machines lost theirs during overhauls. In 2024, it joined the collection of the Military History Institute Prague. A more modern Mil Mi-24 V replaced it at the university.
The Mi-24 D became affectionately known as “Šmoulinka”. This translates to “Smurfette”. It earned this nickname due to its distinctive equipment and coloring. It is now a valued addition to the Aviation Material sub-collection.
The Czech Air Force operated Mi-24s since 1993. These helicopters came from the former Czechoslovak army. Ten newer Mi-35s arrived from Russia in 2003. The Czech Air Force is retiring its Mi-24/35 fleet. Sanctions made spares difficult to obtain. The Czech Republic received H-1 helicopters from the US as replacements.
The Mil Mi-24 served the Czechoslovak army since 1978. It will be replaced by American UH-1/AH-1 helicopters. This helicopter’s story connects military history. It also shows the evolution of aviation technology.