HobbyBoss 1/72 Mi-24V 'Hind E' One of the more known helicopters throughout history must be without a doubt the Mi-24. This will be my entry for the Whirleybird SIG. This first post will showcase a small part of the long history behind the model. I hope you will enjoy following this build thread.
U.S. operated Mi-24P Hind-F
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union was in need of a heavily armed and heavily armored transport helicopter.The result of intense development was the Mil Mi-24, or the "Hind" as the NATO calls it. It is a gunship and attack helicopter. One of the main things about developing this aircraft was to make it fast. In order to do this they tried to streamline the airframe and fit it with retractable tricycle undercarriage.
Mi-24D Cockpit
The helicopter can not only be equipped with missiles, robots and machine guns, but can also be used as a transport for eight passengers. It has been operated since 1972 by the Soviet Union and Russia. Over 30 other nations have also had it in service. It was by Soviet Pilots called the ‘flying tank’ or ‘the Crocodile’ because of its camouflage scheme. About 2,300 Mi-24 has been built and is still in service as of today with the Russian Air Force as its primary users.
Macedonian Mi-24V
The specific version I am going to be building is the Mi-24V (Hind-E) version. This version entered production in 1976 and was first seen by the west in the early 80’s. The Mi-24V Hind-E was equipped with advanced radio guided anti-tank missile systems from the Soviet Union called Shturm. Eight of these could be mounted across the wings. This version was produced in at about 1,500 units.
Picture by Radomil (Own work)
Possible armament on a Mi-24V, with the Shturm anti-tank missiles that was new for this variant.
Since the helicopter has been used since the 70’s it has seen action in numerous conflict s. The first conflict was the Ogaden War, where the Mi-24 together with the Ethiopian forces fought against Somalia. It was instrumental in retaking the town of Ogaden in 1978. Other conflicts in which the helicopter has seen combat in is for example the Soviet war in Afghanistan between 1979 and 1989, the Iran-Iraq War between 1980-1988. In modern history it was used in the Iraq War from 2003 to 2010, the Libyan civil war in 2011. It is still in use in the Afghanistan War since 2001. Today it is used in the Syrian civil war by forces loyal to the Syrian president against the rebels.
Picture by Marcus Fülber(Own work)
Georgian Air Force Mi-24 Hind
Great entry! 
