In Georgia it was used purely as gunship, and as far as I am aware in almost every post-Soviet conflict Russia was in. Mi-8 was escorted by Mi-24 for transport purposes.

What I find strange is the necessity of introducing a THIRD type of attack helo for operations, when you already have the two main birds, Ka-52 and Mi-28. Ok ok, its not completely new type, but when legacy Mi-24 is phased out, you will have to train pilots for Mi-35M. It can’t be a story of falling numbers – if we look at Mi-28 and Ka-52 production it is on a very good pace (and increasing), and with the total numbers ordered, the one thing the RuAF will NOT be lacking this decade is new attack helos. Why the sudden need for such huge attack helo numbers in such a short time frame?

The Mi-35M is a combat transport helicopter. It has its own niche that neither the Mi-17/8 nor the Mi-28/Ka-52 can fill on their own.:D

How often is it used for combat transport in the Russian Army though, practically? Not much as far as I am aware, unless they intend to change that all of a sudden.

Re: D30FM6, how long can the higher temperature be safely employed?

http://pics.livejournal.com/igor113/pic/0044qf83
http://pics.livejournal.com/igor113/pic/0044pk7q

Damn! As close as I have come to seeing the cockpit of a MiG-31BM. This photo was taken @ MAKS 2009, check out the guys blog, lots of nice photos, high res.

Also the blog indicates the thrust of the engines (D-30F-6M) is 16,500Kg, I was not aware the type was getting improved engines?

EDIT: Apparently the cockpit is installed with the same kind of MDFs as the MIG-29SMT, one for the pilot (none before) and 3 in the back, I guess replacing the legacy radar displays.

http://www.militaryparitet.com/teletype/data/ic_teletype/12743/

MOD intends to acquire 8 Be-200, deliveries to begin around 2013-2014.

http://www.militaryparitet.com/teletype/data/ic_teletype/12734/

According to the General Designer of Antonov, Ukraine is not funding its portion of the An-70 program. He says they are working closely with Russia, including on the issue of defense, cooperation is close with UAC, and firm contracts exist with Russian MOD. However problems with the Ukrainian side and funding exist.

http://www.vz.ru/news/2011/11/18/539700.html

Serdykov announced that on a recent trip to Rostvertol, they agreed to a further delivery of Mi-35M helicopters. Presumably, this is on top of the current order of 22 airframes. I don’t understand why they could possibly need more attack helos given the other two types in production.

Please don’t rate India as a future super-power. India has a long way to go and a lot of people to lift out of poverty as has Brazil, China is at-least on-track.

I think Brazil should opt for the platform which gives the the most ToT, exactly because of the things you mentioned.

In terms of military power, both regional and projection, India is, and will be light years ahead of Brazil in the near and foreseeable future.

Brazil being a future superpower, call me a skeptic.

http://russianplanes.net/images/to59000/058791.jpg
http://russianplanes.net/images/to59000/058775.jpg

Mi-35M intended for Russia. 😮
Will soon be in the new grey scheme!