OREANDA-NEWS. Ka-52 Alligator, Mi-28N Night Hunter combat helicopters and Mi-24 series combat-transport helicopters, including the latest Mi-35M, and Mi-8/17 military transport helicopters operated by the Russian Air Force and manufactured by Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec) took part in the Aviadarts 2014 finals, which ran through 21-25 May at the Pogonovo firing range in the Voronezh region.

Russian Air Force planes also took part in Aviadarts-2014. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu observed proceedings and Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev was an honoured guest at the event, which was sponsored by Russian Helicopters. Over 70 crews fr om tactical, long-range, military transport and army aviation took part in the competition, and were judged for their physical and theoretical preparation, navigation and piloting skills, and combat deployment.

Pilots competed in precision launching of unguided aircraft-launched rockets, shooting at ground targets with aircraft guns, outsmarting anti-aircraft defence systems, including the latest Pantsyr-S1 and Kornet-EM missile systems. Drones were used for airborne monitoring. All Russian Helicopters' helicopters performed well in Aviadarts-2014 competition.

Russian Helicopters supplies the Russian Defence Ministry with the latest helicopter technology. The reconnaissance-combat Ka-52 helicopter, which took part in this competition, is an all weather combat helicopter that can be operated night and day on missions ranging from reconnaissance to leading groups of assault helicopters. It is fitted with signature control devices, electronic and active countermeasures and powerful offensive weapons.

The Alligator affords its crew a high degree of protection. It boasts advanced automated systems for ease of piloting. In June 2013 the Ka-52 Alligator was unveiled at Le Bourget air show, wh ere its demonstration wowed the international audience and won high praise from specialists.

The Mi-28N Night Hunter new generation combat helicopter also took part in the competition. It boasts high flight capabilities, allowing it to complete aerobatic displays. The renowned Berkuts (Golden Eagles) flight display team have operated the new Mi-28N Night Hunter since 2012. The helicopter was officially accepted into service with the Russian Defence Ministry in November 2013.

Mi-8/17 series military transport helicopters are produced in two main configurations: the Mi-8MTV (export variant Mi-17V-5) and the Mi-8AMTSh (export variant Mi-171Sh). These helicopters can carry landing troops, carry out delivery and evacuation missions, and can be fitted with guns and unguided missiles systems. The multirole assault helicopter Mi-35M was developed on the basis of the legendary Mi-24, incorporating the latest technologies and systems.

The Mi-35M is designed for the destruction of enemy armoured vehicles, supporting fire for ground units, troop landings, evacuating the wounded, as well as cargo transportation in the cabin or via an external sling. This model combines a wealth of operational experience with the very latest achievements and developments in the helicopter industry.

The winning crews at Aviadarts-2014 won places at the Zhukovsky and Gagarin Military Avition Academy in 2014. The first Aviadarts competition was held in 2013 in Voronezh region, 37 teams from the Russian Air Force competed in helicopters and planes.