First serially produced'Night Hunter' enters into Russian Defense Ministry's service

[1 Jun 2006] /RIA Novosti/ Following its full successful factory test cycle the first serially manufactured helicopter Mi-28N 'Night Hunter' has been delivered to the Russian Defense Ministry.This information was obtained from the press-service of Rostvertol that makes these machines. The serially produced helicopter will be added to two experimental Mi-28 N machines being tested by the Ministry of Defense, and is expected to prove its performance and pass tests of its radio electronic equipment, including weapon systems, says a representative of Rostvertol.At the factory the Mi-28N has successfully passed both a series of flights and the testing of gun weapon and proved full compliance to tactical- technical requirements.In March this year the state commission headed by Russian AF commander-in -chief army general Vladimir Mikhailov has issued a preliminary conclusion on potential manufacturing of an experimental batch of helicopters, explained the press-service.Besides, Mikhailov said that the Ministry of Defense had intended to purchase before 2010 50 Mi-28N helicopters. The 'Night Hunter' is distinguished with high flight speed, and a wide range of protection means. The Mi-28N is not almost noticeable by ground destruction means and has an armored cockpit. There is a set of weapons mounted on the helicopter to ensure that all air-borne destruction means it has got can be used in any weather conditions.