Despite the efforts of the United States and its allies, the goals of Operation Enduring Freedom, which began in October 2001, have not yet been fully achieved. Although more than $ 500 billion has been spent on the military campaign, peace has not come to Afghanistan. Since July 2011, the gradual withdrawal of the international coalition troops from Afghanistan began. In July 2013, security in the country was transferred to the local security forces, and from that moment on, the foreign military contingent has played a supporting role. In fact, the war was ended only formally, but in fact it continued further. The central government in Kabul is incapacitated without foreign military and financial support. The US is currently the main sponsor of the Afghan security forces. At the same time, one of the main instruments of armed struggle against Islamic militants is the National Air Corps of Afghanistan (as the air force is officially called in Kabul).
Recently, in the "Military Review" in the "News" section, there was a publication: "The Afghan Air Force criticizes US helicopters and wants to fly the Mi-35", which says the following:
The Afghan Air Force does not want to abandon the Soviet / Russian Mi-35P helicopters and replace them with American machines, and the Afghan Air Force command criticized the American MD-530F helicopters proposed for rearmament.
With reference to The Drive, which features articles on sports and racing cars, the unnamed Afghan colonel is quoted as saying:
It's unsafe to fly, the engine is too weak, there are problems with the tail rotor, the helicopter itself is not armored. If we go down closer to the enemy, we will run into return fire from the enemy, which we will not be able to withstand. If we go higher, we will not be able to target the enemy.
The article also says that although the Soviet Mi-35P helicopters were officially withdrawn from the Afghan Air Force back in 2015, the Afghan military continues to try to keep them operational. The reason that Afghans prefer to use the Mi-35P instead of more modern western combat helicopters is trivial: they, unlike Soviet rotary-wing aircraft, are simply not suitable for use in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Aircraft in service with the Afghan National Air Corps
Let's try to deal with the mishmash of absurdities and contradictions regarding aircraft that are in service with the Afghan National Air Corps. First of all, I would like to understand what modification of the Mi-35 helicopter is operated by the Afghan Air Force. While preparing the material for this publication, I could not find evidence that there were "cannon" Mi-35Ps with a 30-mm fixed double-barreled GSh-30K cannon in Afghanistan, located on the starboard side. On the contrary, there are a lot of photos of the Afghan Mi-35, which is an export version of the Mi-24V, armed with a mobile machine gun USPU-24 with a four-barreled 12, 7-mm machine gun YakB-12, 7.
The Soviet combat helicopter Mi-24 was in many ways a unique machine in which they tried to implement the concept of a "flying infantry fighting vehicle". In addition to powerful small arms and cannon armament and a solid rocket and bomb load, there was room for eight paratroopers on board the helicopter. In fairness, it should be said that this approach was not very viable, and when designing next generation combat helicopters, the designers preferred the mass reserves spent on the troop compartment to increase security, increase the combat load and improve flight data. However, the Mi-24, despite some shortcomings, proved itself in a number of local conflicts as a very good combat helicopter. It successfully combines the ability to withstand small arms fire, high flight speed and powerful weapons.
After the introduction of the Soviet military contingent into Afghanistan, the Mi-24 became one of the symbols of the Afghan war, no major military operation was complete without the participation of combat helicopters. Planned strikes and missions on call during operations became the main ones in combat work. Also practiced "free hunting" to destroy the caravans with weapons. The greatest losses in Afghanistan, the Mi-24 suffered from the fire of large-caliber anti-aircraft machine gun installations DShK and ZGU. So in 1985, 42% were shot down with 12, 7-mm bullets, and 25% of the Mi-24 lost by Soviet troops with 14, 5-mm bullets. In 1983, Soviet-made Strela-2M MANPADS delivered from Egypt and the American FIM-43 Redeye appeared at the disposal of the armed opposition units, and in 1986 the first cases of FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS were recorded, which led to an increase in losses. According to reference data, without taking into account the helicopters of the border troops and the Central Asian Military District, 127 Soviet Mi-24s were lost in Afghanistan. The helicopters that remained at the disposal of the Afghan government forces did not take off often and were not used effectively. After the fall of the Najibullah regime, the Taliban failed to maintain several captured "crocodiles" in working order, and the next time they appeared over the Afghan mountains after the expulsion of radical Islamists from Kabul.
With American technical and financial support, the Northern Alliance forces managed to return to service several helicopters hijacked to Pakistan. A certain number of Mi-24 and Mi-35 were supplied by Russia at the request of the United States and transferred by the Eastern European allies of the United States.
These helicopters, along with the Afghan Mi-8 and Mi-17, were used with varying success in battles with the Islamists. The Mi-35 strike crews mainly used unguided aircraft weapons: NAR, bombs and small arms and cannon weapons. "Crocodiles" most often acted as "flying MLRS", delivering massive strikes with 80-mm NAR S-8.
According to The Military Balance 2016, as of 2016, the Afghan National Air Corps had 11 Mi-35 combat helicopters. However, back in 2015, American representatives said that due to the high cost and unobvious efficiency, they were stopping funding for technical support for the Mi-35. Nevertheless, the Afghans did not completely abandon the "crocodiles", but their combat readiness dropped sharply and the intensity of flights decreased greatly. In 2018, it became known that India expressed its readiness to transfer four used Mi-35s to Afghanistan, as well as to provide assistance with spare parts. However, it is clear that without American funding, the Afghans will not be able to keep them in the ranks for a long time.
In the past, the United States purchased Russian-made helicopters for the Afghan Air Force. So, by 2013, several contracts were concluded with Russia with a total value of about $ 1 billion. The agreement provided for the supply of 63 Mi-17V-5 helicopters (export version of the Mi-8MTV-5), consumables and spare parts, as well as their comprehensive maintenance. After the start of the "sanctions campaign," the Americans stopped purchasing equipment and weapons from Russia for the Afghan army. However, several more used Mi-17s came from Eastern Europe. In this situation, Kabul hinted that it would be nice to receive free military aid from Russia in the form of new combat helicopters. Apparently, it was about the Mi-35M. But fortunately, our leadership refrained from making a broad gesture, and did not begin to carry out free deliveries to a country whose leadership is completely controlled by the United States.
Afghanistan Aviation Fleet Renovation and Modernization Program
In order to prevent a decrease in the strike potential of the Afghan military aviation, the American administration has initiated a program for the renewal and modernization of the aircraft fleet. Since the leadership of the US Defense Ministry categorically objected to the supply of not only modern AH-64E Apache "Guardian" combat helicopters to Afghanistan, but also the relatively simple AH-1Z Viper in service with the USMC, it was decided to replace the retired Mi-35 with other machines.
In 2011, the Embraer A-29B Super Tucano light turboprop attack aircraft won the competition for a light combat aircraft that was supposed to replace Russian-made combat helicopters. Its rival was the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II turboprop. The victory in the competition was facilitated by the fact that Embraer, together with Sierra Nevada Corporation, began assembling the A-29 Super Tucano in the United States. By the end of 2016, the Afghan Air Force had 8 A-29 attack aircraft. In 2018, 20 aircraft were handed over to the Afghans, and 6 Super Tucanos are also expected to be delivered. The cost of one A-29 is about $ 18 million.
It is customary among Russian "patriots" to be critical of this combat aircraft and, comparing it to the Su-25, refer to its high vulnerability. However, in practice, the A-29B is much less vulnerable than combat helicopters. The cockpit and the most important parts are covered with Kevlar armor, which provides protection against armor-piercing rifle bullets from a distance of 300 meters, and the fuel tanks are protected from lumbago and are filled with neutral gas. When operating in a zone of strong air defense, it is possible to reinforce the sides of the cabin with ceramic plates, but this reduces the mass of the combat load by about 200 kg. The design of a light attack aircraft does not have many vulnerable nodes, if damaged, controlled flight is impossible. The visibility of the A-29V in the IR spectrum is significantly lower than that of the Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, and the horizontal flight speed can reach 590 km / h, which makes it possible to more successfully avoid being hit by portable anti-aircraft missile systems. However, at the disposal of the Afghan militants now there are no operational MANPADS.
Although the attack aircraft is armed with two built-in 12, 7-mm machine guns with 200 rounds of ammunition per barrel, to reduce vulnerability to anti-aircraft fire, the emphasis is on the use of guided weapons. For this, the aircraft is equipped with avionics and information display equipment from the Israeli company Elbit Systems and sighting and search systems manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. In the process of using guided munitions, a system for displaying data on the pilot's helmet, integrated into the equipment for controlling the means of destruction of the aircraft, is involved. The system is based on the MIL-STD-553B digital bus and operates according to the HOTAS (Hand On Throttle and Stick) standard. It is reported that in 2013 for the A-29B company OrbiSat created a suspended radar capable of working on air and ground targets and detecting single mortar positions with a high probability. There are also inertial and satellite navigation systems and closed communications equipment on board.
Five external nodes can accommodate a combat load with a total weight of up to 1500 kg. In addition to free-fall bombs and NAR, the attack aircraft's arsenal includes guided bombs and HYDRA 70 / APKWS laser-guided 70-mm rockets. If necessary, an additional 400-liter sealed fuel tank can be installed in the co-pilot's seat, significantly increasing the time spent in the air.
Since 2017, Afghan Super Tucanoes have flown up to 40 sorties a week, striking Taliban positions. In March 2018, the GBU-58 Paveway II corrected bomb was first used in a combat situation. To date, the A-29B Super Tucano turboprop attack aircraft belonging to the Afghan Air Corps have carried out more than 2,000 airstrikes without loss. Basically, they provided direct air support to ground forces and destroyed militant facilities. It is the "Super Tucano" that is currently the main striking force of the Afghan Air Force, replacing the Mi-35 in this role. An important factor is that the A-29V, unlike helicopters, easily overcome mountain ranges, while carrying the maximum combat load. A significant advantage of turboprop attack aircraft is the relatively low cost of a flight hour, which in 2016 was about $ 600. I could not find data on how much a flight hour of the Mi-24 (Mi-35) costs, but for the Mi-8 this figure is more than $ 1000 It is clear that the operating costs of the Mi-35 are significantly higher than those of the Mi-17. In addition, the preparation time for the Mi-35 for a second combat mission takes much longer than for the Super Tucano. Separately, the A-29V's ability to operate successfully in the dark is noted, which was extremely problematic for the Afghan Mi-35.
Thus, the "Super Tucano" with a similar or even higher combat effectiveness in Afghanistan, turned out to be economically more profitable than a heavy attack helicopter.
In addition to the A-29B Super Tucano, Afghan pilots have mastered another type of combat turboprop aircraft - the AC-208 Combat Caravan. This machine is designed by Alliant Techsystems Inc. based on a single-engine general purpose aircraft Cessna 208 Caravan. Currently, the Afghan Air Force has 6 AC-208 Combat Caravan and 4 more aircraft are expected to be delivered.
The avionics include: a high-performance digital computing device, an optoelectronic sighting and search system (a color early-range camera, an IR camera, a laser rangefinder and a laser designator), an 18-inch tactical situation indicator, color LCD displays, equipment for a data transmission line to ground command posts, HF and VHF radio stations.
Two missiles AGM-114M Hellfire or AGM-114K Hellfire suspended on wing pylons are intended for ground strikes. AC-208 Combat Caravan can be used as an air command post. Although the main purpose of this aircraft is reconnaissance, observation and delivery of pinpoint strikes with guided missiles outside the anti-aircraft fire zone, the cockpit is equipped with ballistic panels to protect the crew and passengers from small arms. In addition to the Afghan National Air Corps, AC-208 Combat Caravan aircraft are used by the Iraqi Air Force.
What will replace the Mi-17?
Apparently, the Americans are looking for a replacement for the Russian Mi-17 helicopters that proved to be excellent in Afghanistan. As of April 2017, of the 63 Mi-17V-5 purchased in Russia, 46 remained in flight condition. During the formation of the Air Corps, the US military handed over a dozen and a half used Bell UH-1H Iroquois to the Afghans. Although the helicopters taken from storage during the Vietnam War underwent major refurbishment, they certainly cannot be considered modern. The main alternative to the outdated "Iroquois" should be the upgraded Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk. Helicopters built in the mid-1980s have been overhauled and modernized to the UH-60A + level, and their capabilities correspond to the more modern UH-60L. During the modernization, the T700-GE-701C engines, improved transmission and updated control system were installed. In total, it is planned to supply 159 UH-60A + multipurpose helicopters from the availability of the American army aviation, which should replace the Mi-17V-5 purchased in Russia.
It is reported that the upgraded UH-60A + is equipped with 7, 62-mm machine guns, and, if necessary, can carry blocks with unguided missiles and containers with six-barreled 12, 7-mm GAU-19 mounts on external suspensions. To be fair, it should be said that Afghan pilots and ground technical personnel are not very enthusiastic about the upcoming replacement of Russian Mi-17s with American UH-60A +. This is due to the fact that the "Black Hawk Down", with all its advantages, is a much more demanding machine to service. At the same time, the Mi-8 / Mi-17 helicopters are well mastered by the Afghans and have proven their high efficiency and reliability.
The lightest combat helicopter of the Afghan Air Force is the MD Helicopters MD530F Cayuse Warrior. This aircraft is a further development of the McDonnell Douglas Model 500 family of single-engine light multipurpose helicopters.
The MD530F helicopter is equipped with a Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C30 Turboshaft gas turbine engine with a takeoff power of 650 hp, and a propeller with increased lift. This allows it to operate effectively at higher temperatures, outperforming other helicopters in its class. The MD-530F helicopter can be equipped with НМР400 containers with a 12.7 mm MZ machine gun (rate of fire 1100 rds / min, 400 rounds of ammunition), as well as NAR and ATGM launchers. The payload weight on the external sling is up to 970 kg.
Currently, the Afghan Air Corps has about 30 MD530Fs. These light combat helicopters are the first of the new generation MD-530F Cayuse Warrior to feature a newly certified glass cockpit that includes: GDU 700P PFD / MFD touchscreen displays and Garmin GTN 650 NAV / COM / GPS, as well as an integrated tracking system (HDTS), which combines sighting search equipment, FLIR night vision equipment and a laser rangefinder-designator.
Although some readers wrote in their comments that the MD530F can be slingshot, despite its diminutive size, it is a fully capable combat helicopter. In terms of the level of security, the MD530F is, of course, inferior to the Mi-35, but a number of units are covered with Kevlar-ceramic armor, and the fuel tanks are protected and can withstand hits from 12.7 mm bullets. The main rotor with increased efficiency, remains operational when fired by 14, 5-mm bullets. The key to the MD530F's invulnerability is its high maneuverability and small geometric dimensions. This diminutive machine is capable of very vigorous vertical and horizontal maneuvers. Although the climb rates of the MD530F and the Mi-35 are practically the same due to the much lower takeoff weight, the MD530F is more sensitive to commands from the controls and surpasses the Mi-35 in terms of operational overload.
By and large, the only significant drawback of the MD530F is the presence of one engine and the absence of a redundant power plant. At the same time, it should be recognized that although the Mi-24 family machines are better protected from small arms fire, large-caliber 12, 7-14, 5-mm bullets pose a huge threat to all helicopters and aircraft available in the National Air Corps of Afghanistan without exception. …
Talking about the Afghan MD530F, it would be wrong not to mention similar machines used by the American special operations forces. Since 1966, the US Army has operated the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse, a military modification of the Hughes 500 (currently the MD 500). Since 1980, the AH-6 Little Bird combat helicopter has begun to enter the air support units of the American special operations forces. This miniature highly maneuverable vehicle took part in many covert operations around the world, and in some cases served as a "life buoy" for special forces operating in enemy territory. Despite its modest size, the effectiveness of the Little Bird under the control of a well-trained crew can be very high.
Helicopters AH-6 are in service with the 160th Special Forces Aviation Regiment of the US Ground Forces (also known as Night Stalkers), and are used by the elite anti-terrorist special forces of the FBI. The baptism of fire AH-6C received in 1983 during the invasion of the US armed forces in Grenada. Operation "Flash of Fury" involved a dozen small, nimble machines based in Barbados. Several Little Birds supported the Contras in Nicaragua. In 1989, helicopters of the 160th regiment took part in Operation Just Cause in Panama. In 1993, the AH-6 F / G provided fire support to the fighters of the 1st Special Operations Regiment of the US Army Delta Force in the Somali capital Mogadishu. In 2009, several "Little Birds" were involved in Somalia, during the operation to eliminate the terrorist Saleh Ali Nabhani, and participated in special operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is reported that since 2003, 70-mm laser-guided missiles have been used to provide fire support to ground forces. Apparently, we are talking about modified Hydra 70 missiles. The most advanced modification used by the American special operations forces AH-6M is based on the commercial MD530 series helicopters. According to the information voiced by the representative of MD Helicopters, the MD530F helicopters supplied to the Afghan armed forces used the developments previously implemented in the helicopters operated by the American special forces.
The modest size, relatively low labor intensity in preparation for the flight and the ability to fly in the highlands make it possible to use helicopters from the "jump pads". Temporary bases are being set up on the mountain plateaus, from where light strike vehicles can operate at the request of ground forces, without wasting time and fuel in order to reach remote areas.
An important factor in the adoption by the Afghan Aviation Corps of the MD530F light combat helicopters was their relatively low cost. The price of one MD530F is $ 1.4 million, and the Russian Helicopters holding in 2014 offered an export modification of the Mi-35M for $ 10 million. At the same time, the price of the American AH-64D Apache Longbow (Block III) helicopter exceeded $ 50 million. According to the reference data, Mi-35 engines consume on average 770 liters of fuel per hour. The gas turbine engine installed on the MD530F consumes 90 liters per hour. Given the fact that aviation fuel is delivered to Afghan airbases by military transport aircraft or road convoys for which it is necessary to provide strong guards, fuel efficiency is very important.
Sequential displacement of Soviet and Russian-made technology
The changes that have taken place in the aircraft fleet of the Afghan Air Force indicate that the US Department of Defense is consistently implementing a program to oust Soviet and Russian-made equipment. The main task is to reduce Russia's influence in the region and completely eliminate the dependence of the Afghan army on imports of weapons, spare parts and consumables that do not meet NATO standards. The transition to Western-standard aviation technology also helps to reduce operating costs and the burden on the American budget and provide orders for American corporations that produce weapons. It is no secret that the Afghan army is completely dependent on foreign aid, since the Afghan government is unable to finance it on its own. The maintenance of the armed forces requires approximately $ 7 billion annually, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of the Afghan economy. At the same time, the country's GDP in 2016 amounted to $ 20.2 billion. In this situation, the United States is forced to allocate significant financial resources intended for the purchase of equipment and weapons for the Afghan security forces, training of personnel and provision of material and technical supplies.
