The following spectacular video compiled and produced by Mariusz Adamski shows the operation of Polish Mi-8 Hip and Mi-24 Hind helicopters over the Afghan theater.
Things that are worth highlighting:
First of all, the helicopters, due to the high altitudes above sea level very rarely used the VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) capabilities; they rather used runways and wings in order to produce the lift needed for take-off.
Secondly one can notice use of flares as the insurgents were believed to be in possesion of Stinger AAMs
The Mi-8 has additional armor plates mounted that act to provide safety for the pilots and protect them from small arms fire. Hinds were used for SAR escort purpose.
Noteworthy, a Mi-24 can bee seen together with a SAR UH-60.
The flights were usually carried aut at low altitudes above the ground, as that would have a psychological effect on the enemy. Adding to that, the choppers were exactly the same models that Soviet Russians used during their operations in Afghanistan.
Jacek Siminski for TheAviationist
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“carried AUT”? LOL. Sorry, nice post but I just had to laugh at that.
Spelling. Happens.
I think that there are not Mi-8 but Mi – 17.
They don’t actually use their stubby wings to create lift by rolling down the short “runways.” Rather, the rotor system becomes more efficient as airspeed increases. The stub wings do VERY little to aid in getting the chopper off the ground.