"Now our" Jmellyk "can easily fly all Ukraine without refueling and gain heights in three Hoverla", - boasts the deputy commander of the helicopter squadron and adds that each helicopter in parts give a name. At Mustang, he is the Mi-8 MTV (up to the modernization of Mi-8 MT), the brigade has no less hope. This board was actively involved in the fulfillment of the frontline tasks in the previous "role", now - and again.
- The need for modernized sides was acute, - the officer shares. - Although their deficit is still not resolved, it is nice that the situation is gradually improving. The helicopter is the main unit of small aviation, since a plane can not sit anywhere, it is not so maneuverable and more expensive in operation. I remember how in 2014 we, with the help of the brigade, lifted all the helicopters that were only possible. In the literal sense, we pulled out the beams from the barn, disassembled, weighed them up to the screw, tested, repaired, painted ... Then we extracted the sky and Mustang, which now has come upgraded.
If before the 2014 brigade performed primarily transportation tasks, then with the onset of the war in Ukraine, it was necessary to show the enemy also shock strength ... Therefore, upgraded helicopters are multipurpose. They can also transport their personnel, and wound them to evacuate, and fire strikes.
"Here, you see, the containers are hanging for 80mm air-ground type caliber," says the deputy commander of the helicopter squadron, pointing to the updated Mi-8 IGC. - After major repairs, the helicopter can release 16 missiles at a time. In previous versions, the maximum was eight missiles. That is, the board came to us twice as powerful. Also, a complex of protection against MANPADS was put on him. And this is far from the first car in Ukraine, which comes with such equipment. Such a "bonus" has added a helicopter of safety.
Captain Konstantin Nikolayev, the helicopter commander, directly "dispersed" the Mi-8 MTV helicopter from the plant in part, does not conceal joy. The officer is a real old man of the brigade and admits that aviators did not receive such gifts for ten years already.
"You do not even know what it is a pride to fly on a new helicopter into a part where you are waiting for a full lineup." This "swallow" is hard to call a repaired board, in fact it is a new helicopter. As a pilot I can say that piloting a modernized board has become even more convenient. The car was equipped with a modern meteolocator, which allows you to determine in a flight where there is a thunderstorm front or other unfavorable conditions that it is better not to fall into. In combat conditions, not always the connection with the meteorological service, and thanks to a special locator, it will be easier for us to navigate and bypass the dangerous areas of the sky. Also, the board is equipped with two stationary GPS, which will greatly simplify the work. But most of all it pleased not even this ... When it was at the factory, it was possible to consider two more boards, which already in the New Year should appear in our part. So I brought a lot of good news.
Specialists of the technical service of the brigade, before taking the work of the aircraft plant, carefully examined each claw technique, opened each panel ... Major Grechikovsky, senior engineer of the unit, explains that from the old sides actually remained only fuselage. We communicate with an officer in the Mi-8 IASB, where he shows the results of the upgrade.
- Earlier there was no such helicopter in our brigade, therefore, I was undergoing retraining in Borispol. I have been in the brigade since 2003, and I accept this upgraded technique for the first time. Look - the cabin is completely new, with modern, comfortable fittings. We put engines of a new type, much more powerful. Thanks to this increased possible flight altitude, speed and quality of tasks. With a take off weight of 12 tons, the helicopter can climb 6,000 meters. The board came with expanded tanks, which allows it to overcome significantly longer distances. Thousand miles for him - no problem at all! With regard to weapons, put on three suspension bracket holders. The quality of radio communication has changed - new radio stations, main and backup have been added. The reciprocity of the helicopter is also pleasing, and the costs of its operation and maintenance are greatly reduced.
Anastasiya Olekhnovich, "People's Army"
P.S. "Mustang" and "Dzhmelik" will not have to stand on a helicopter platform for a long time. In the near future, pilots will experience modernized technology in the front sky