Russian Helicopters (subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Russian Technologies State Corporation) will present the new combat training helicopter Mi-28UB derived from Mi-28NE Night Hunter (developed by Rostvertol) at MAKS 2013 airshow, the holding’s press-service reports.

“Mi-28UB is a special helicopter having a dual control system with a full functionality of an attack helicopter, which is suitable for training of Mi-28NE pilots. Mi-28UB performed its maiden flight on August 9th at Rostvertol’s flight test center (Rostvertol is part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company). Rostvertol also manufactures Mi-28NE, Mi-26 (T) and Mi-35M helicopters. Mi-28UB will head off to Zhukovsky (Moscow Region) soon in order to take part in MAKS 2013 airshow. This helicopter will be demonstrated for the first time at the airshow; it will be located at a static stand of Russian Helicopters”, - Russian Helicopters noted.

Mi-28UB meets the requirements of the customers, first of all, Russian Ministry of Defense. This model is intended for training of pilots of Mi-28NЕ Night Hunter helicopters. At that, Mi-28UB is capable of performing all the duties of an attack helicopter, including search and destruction of enemy vehicles and manpower and low-speed air targets under any lighting and weather conditions.

The major difference between the new Mi-28UB and Mi-28N Night Hunter helicopter is the dual hydromechanical control system, which allows piloting the helicopter both from the pilot’s and the flight instructor’s cockpit. The area of the flight instructor’s cockpit has been increased, the upper part of pilot’s canopy has been expanded and the configuration of the energy-absorbing seats has been modified, the Holding noted.

Mi-28UB helicopter will improve the quality of training for pilots of Mi-28NE Night Hunter helicopters supplied to the Russian air forces. Moreover, Mi-28UB has the full potential of an attack helicopter and may attain combat tasks on equal terms with Mi-28NE Night Hunter helicopters.