Mil Mi-24 Hind-D
First seen by Western observers in 1977, this Type 24-6 helicopter is the much-altered version used in the dedicated gunship role with a new upper forward fuselage featuring stepped cockpits for the gunner (nose) and pilot (behind and slightly above the gunner). The gunner controls a 0.5 in (12.7 mm) rotary four-barrel heavy machine gun in an undernose turret slaved to the adjacent KPS-53A optronic sighting pod for air-to-surface and air-to-air use, while the wing-mounted armament is similar to that of the 'Hind-A' though more extensive. The sensor fit (for the accurate firing of air-to-surface ordnance) includes an air data probe, low-light-level TV, radar and a laser tracker.
Although the cabin can carry an eight-man infantry squad, it is likely that only one man and reload weapons are carried for battlefield replenishment of the underwing hardpoints.
The type clearly possesses considerable speed and offensive capability, but Western analysts point out that it is large and relatively lacking in maneuverability for the gunship role. Soviet experience with the type in Afghanistan led to the adoption of a dispenser under the tail boom loaded with 192 IR decoys for heat-seeking missiles, as well as an IR jammer and RWR.
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