Ukrainian drones' daring strike: Mi‑24 helicopter downed near Moscow
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reported a successful operation in the Moscow region, which resulted in the destruction of a Mi-24 helicopter belonging to the Russian army's air force. Let's examine the features of this machine, often referred to as the "Devil's Chariot."
"On the night of November 9 to 10, 2024, a Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter was destroyed at Klin-5 airport in the Moscow region," stated the HUR.
A Russian Mi-24 burned down in the Moscow region
HUR noted that the destroyed helicopter was part of the 92nd squadron of the 344th combat use and retraining centre for the Russian army's aviation crews. However, it did not provide details of the operation, so we remain unaware of the specific weapons used.
It is possible that Ukrainians employed drones again. They have been targeting Russian sites with unmanned aerial vehicles for several months. The most recent large-scale attack occurred on Sunday, November 10. Russian authorities reported that Ukraine targeted Moscow with at least 32 drones. The largest airport in the capital, Sheremetyevo, was temporarily closed. According to Russian media, this was the largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow to date. The targets likely included critical Russian industrial facilities.
The Russians' "Devil's Chariot"
The Mi-24 is a heavy combat helicopter produced from 1970 to 1989 but is still in service in many Russian units today. It is a machine capable of travelling at speeds over 300 km/h. It features an armoured fuselage that protects the crew from bullets up to 12.7 mm in calibre and armoured drive system components. The takeoff weight of the Mi-24 can reach up to 11,500 kg.
Due to its strong armour and considerable firepower, the Mi-24 has been dubbed the "Devil's Chariot." Afghans were the first to call it that.
