The story
Most attack helicopters seat two. The Mi-24 seats two crew and eight passengers — a gunship up front with a troop cabin in back, a combination nobody else ever mass-produced. Over 2,600 have been built since 1969, and they still serve with air forces around the world.
Soviet crews nicknamed the Mi-24 the 'flying tank' — its rotor blades were built with titanium spars tough enough to survive hits from heavy machine-gun rounds.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Mi-24?
Two stepped bubble canopies (gunner in front, pilot behind), drooped stub wings and landing gear that tucks away in flight.
What does a Mi-24 sound like?
A heavy five-blade slap over a twin-turboshaft whine — you hear the mass before you see it.
How fast is the Mi-24?
Top speed is 173 kts.
How many passengers does the Mi-24 carry?
Up to 8. A typical layout is 2 crew + 8 passengers.
How far can the Mi-24 fly?
Range is about 243 nmi.
How big is the Mi-24?
It is 57 ft 5 in (fuselage) long and 56 ft 5 in (rotor diameter) across the rotor.
When did the Mi-24 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1969.
How many Mi-24s have been built?
2,600+ built.
What do crews call the Mi-24?
The Flying Tank.
How rare is a Mi-24 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Mi-24 catch is worth 250 points.
