Today well be taking a look at the most modern and heavily armed modification of the Mi-8 military transport helicopter, which will be arriving to the game in the Firebirds major update!

Mi-8AMTSh-VN Sapsan: An Attack Helicopter for the USSR at rank VII

At a glance:

• Ataka ATGMs, not found on the Mi-8s already in the game.
• Verba air-to-air missiles.
• RWR with MAWS.
• Thermal imager for the gunner sight.

Vehicle History [expand type=details] In 2017 at the MAKS exhibition, a new transport and assault modification of the Mi-8, developed at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant and retrofitted at the Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Manufacturing Center, was shown to the general public for the first time. The new Mi-8AMTSh-VN Sapsan was a further development of the Mi-8AMTSh Terminator version, taking into account the experience of their combat use, including in Syria. The main differences of this new variant were new Russian-made engines and a new four-bladed tail rotor, which was used on the Mi-28N and Mi-35 helicopters. Modernized electronics made it possible to use Ataka anti-tank guided missiles, and the troop compartment was modified. In 2019, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the supply of ten Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters. [/expand]

Meet the Mi-8AMTSh-VN!

Who wouldve thought that the old Mi-8 would transform from a transport aircraft into an incredible attack helicopter with the most modern weapons and advanced electronics? Meet the Mi-8AMTSh-VN Sapsan, a direct successor to the War Thunder record holder for the number of rockets, the Mi-8AMTSh. This new helicopter is better than its predecessor, perhaps in all aspects of combat effectiveness. Lets take a look!

Combat operations in Syria showed areas where the Mi-8AMTSh attack helicopter could be improved. The Mi-8AMTSh-VN now has better vision in all weather conditions, all while reducing its vulnerability to air-to-air missiles! This is thanks to a new and advanced sighting system with a high-quality thermal imager and improved optics, shielding devices on the exhaust grilles and an automatic system (MAW) for firing flares and chaff when exposed to missile systems. Thanks to new onboard electronics and a sight with good zoom, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN can fire the Ataka tandem-head ATGM with a firing range of up to 6 km, which is the main armament for this helicopter in Ground Battles. And last but not least, a radar, capable of detecting and tracking both air and ground targets, greatly increasing awareness of surrounding threats.

The Mi-8AMTSh-VN has a new four-bladed tail rotor, the same found on the Mi-28N and Mi-35M. Other important modifications include improved armor and new built-in weapons a pair of large-caliber machine guns on the weapon suspension wings. Despite significant improvements, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN has retained the important qualities of its predecessor that are valued by those who play this helicopter family! Firstly, it has a good number of rockets up to 80 x S-8KO rockets with a HEAT warhead that can be aimed accurately with the help of the ballistic computer. Secondly, Verba air-to-air missiles are among the best in their class, meaning this helicopter still poses a threat to fighter aircraft that are hoping for an easy frag! And lastly, this helicopter has a large supply of countermeasures that are fired automatically if a threat is detected.
Thats it for today! The Mi-8AMTSh-VN will be coming to War Thunder with the release of the Firebirds major update. Until then, keep an eye on our website for more dev blogs coming your way! Please note that this vehicles characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.