The Mi-24, the first helicopter to enter service with the Russian Air Force as an assault transport and gunship, was developed on the idea of the Mi-8's propulsion system. extra missions include direct air support, antitank, armed escort, and air to air combat. The helicopter was used extensively in the Afghanistan War, turning into the "signature" weapon of the conflict. The Mi-24 is a close counterpart to the US AH-64 Apache, however not like this and other Western assault helicopters it's also can transporting up to eight troops. The Russians have deployed significant numbers of HINDs in Europe and have exported the HIND to several third world countries.The combat helicopter is a flying infantry fighting vehicle, that blends features of both transport and attack helicopters. Soviet pilots known as the aircraft 'letayushiy tank' or flying tank. Another common nickname is 'Krokodil' (Crocodile) - because of the helicopter's camouflage and fuselage shape. A characteristic feature of the Mi-24 is a load cabin connected with the flight-deck, which is 2.83 m long, 1.46 m wide and 1.2 m high.
