Significant performance increases are expected for Mil Mi-35 "Hind" attack helicopters operated by the Zimbabwe Air Force (AFZ) following powerplant upgrades undertaken by Russia's Rostvertol PLC company as prime contractor. This is an additional upgrade program for the Russian industry group, which has already undertaken installation of GPS, observation and night-vision systems in the AFZ Mi-35s, about a dozen of which were delivered in 1998.

The new contract involves installing TV3-117 turboshafts uprated to VMA-SB3 standards, developed in conjunction with the Klimov design bureau and the Motor Sich production plant in Ukraine. With complete interchangeability, the TV3-117VMA-SB3 has an increase in take-off power to 2,400 shp, and an automatic fuel-control system. Changes in the compressor turbine design double the uprated TV3's initial major overhaul life to 3,000 flying hours, and its overall life to 7,500 hours.

In addition to a 1,000 kg payload increase, the new TV3 variant confers improved hot-and-high performance, which is particularly important in Zimbabwe. Flight development with the new engines at Rostvertol's Rostov-on-Don base, now headed by recently-appointed Director-General B.N. Sliussar, following the unexpected death of M.V. Nagibin, has reached an advanced stage. A formal certification presentation was made on May 30, and full certification, followed by Russian service trials, are scheduled before the year-end.

Rostvertol is also working on more extensive Mi-24/35 upgrades (-35s being export versions), for application to Russian army aviation "Hinds", and those operating in more than 20 other countries throughout the world. Primary objective is to combine round-the-clock low-altitude operation with precision-guided and unguided weapons, and extended service lives. Other planned features include more accurate targeting, new Mi-28-based main rotor systems, and better armor protection.

By John Fricker