Ukraine's daring strike: Russian Mi‑24 'Devil's Chariot' downed
Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) has reported a successful operation in the Moscow region, which resulted in the destruction of a Mi-24 helicopter belonging to the Russian army's air force. Let's consider the features of this machine, often referred to as the "Devil's Chariot."
"On the night of 8 to 9 November 2024, a Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter was destroyed at Klin-5 airport in the Moscow region," according to the HUR statement.
A Russian Mi-24 burned down in the Moscow region
HUR notes that the destroyed helicopter belonged to the 92nd Squadron of the 344th Combat Use and Retraining Centre for crews of the Russian Army's aviation. However, it does not provide details of the operation; for instance, we did not learn what weapons were used.
It is possible, however, that the Ukrainians used drones once more. They have been targeting sites in Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles for several months. The last large-scale attack occurred on Sunday, 10 November. Russian authorities reported that Ukraine attacked Moscow with at least 32 drones. The largest capital airport, Sheremetyevo, was temporarily closed. According to Russian media, it was the most significant Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow thus far. Its targets were most likely significant Russian industrial facilities.
The Russians' "Devil's Chariot"
The Mi-24 destroyed is a heavy combat helicopter produced from 1970 to 1989, yet it still serves in many Russian units today. It is capable of speeds over 300 km/h. It is equipped with an armoured fuselage that protects the crew from bullets up to 12.7 mm calibre and armoured drive system elements. The takeoff weight of the Mi-24 can reach up to 11,500 kg.
Due to its strong armour and considerable firepower, the Mi-24 has been labelled the "Devil's Chariot." Afghans were the first to call it that.
