Prospects programs are expected in Eastern Europe, India as well as other third world air forces.
However, the “westernization” of Mi-24/35 in service with in Poland, Czech republic, Hungary and Bulgaria are the most lucrative modernization programs for this type. Rostvertol, the Russian manufacturer of the M-24 has introduced weight saving features, which include fixed landing gear and shortened stub wings, to save weight. Avionics modifications include the installation of Russian made thermal imaging system, and integral stores loading system. The “Westernized” Hind also includes a five-bladed glass-fiber main rotor, X-type tail rotor, and 2,400 shp Klimov TV3-117MA-SB3 powerplants.
The helicopter is installed with a NATO-standard 1553B type KNEI-24 digital mission system avionics. Cockpit improvements include the installation of two color multifunction screens at the upper (pilot) cockpit. These displays can show flight data, maps and thermal or TV imaging. The electro-mechanical systems are also retained for stand-by instrumentation. Radio navigation, TACAN and GPS systems are also used. The sensor payload consists of the UOMZ gyro-stabilized GOES 342 sensor turret installed beneath the nose, integrating infrared imagers, TV and laser rangefinder/designator, all controlled from a single multifunction display at the weapons operator (forward) cockpit.
The helicopter retain the Russian 9K113M Ataka missiles, but will also be able to use western anti-tank missiles chosen by the operating air force. For example, in Poland, the Israeli Spike ER (formerly known as NT-D) was chosen.
