Russian Aviation Museum

After successful trials (November 1982) of the Mi-28 strike helicopter, designers of the M.L.Mil MVZ decided to proceed with new class of combat helicopter. At the same time new machine had to rely on well-developed and tested technologies and elements
of an existing successful aircraft (like the Mi-8 became a base design for Mi-14, Mi-17 and Mi-24).

This time the Mi-28 was chosen to 'donate' its propulsion system to Mi-24 successor - troop carrying armored assault helicopter. Closest Western analog is UH-60 'Black Hawk', but Soviet 'flying BMP' is designed to have far stronger firepower.
Development of the Mi-40 was first presented in 1984 - and rejected by Ground Forces and (just introduced) Army Aviation Command. Preference was given to all-new NOTAR project Mi-42. Eight years later (in 1992), in whole new economical and political
situation, designers returned to the Mi-40 project. It was the first time the project was publicly announced.

At the same time an article written by Colonel I. Borisevich appeared in the journal Voyennyy vestnik (Military Herald), entitled "Desant-Storm Action in Contemporary Combat". It describes a desant organization in which the helicopters are an organic
part of the force. In fact the term "helicopter BMP" is used to describe them. These helicopter BMPs transport and provide fire support for an infantry squad, just as the conventional BMP.
Improvement of fighting capabilities in comparison with the Mi-24 is to be achieved by day/night all-weather above-the-rotor sensor array (like on the Mi-28N), integrated into aiming-navigation-flight control system. Most vital system are to be
duplicated, secondary systems will be located so that they serve as a 'shield' for more important parts. Adding of the 'under-tail' machinegun provides Mi-40 with 360 defense. Measures to decrease the IR signature and increased safety for crew and troops
are planned.

All necessary mock-up modeling is already done, but (common) financial difficulties slow down the program.


Type Mi-40
Function Assault troop carrier
Year 1984
Crew 2
Engines 2*?
Takeoff weight 11000 to 12000kg
Maximum speed 314km/h
Cruise Speed 260km/h
Ceiling 3300m
Seats 8
Guns 1*23mm forward turret / 1*12.7mm reward turret
Rockets Assorted on pylons (8?)