Artistic illustration  Super Hind (Mi-24) © Konstantinos Panitsidis

 Technical specifications      Photos      Video

Manufacturer: ATE, Mil
Country: South Africa, Russia.
First flight: 1999
Type: Multi-role attack helicopter.

The south African corporation "Advanced Technologies and Engineering" (ATE), is one of those which make modernizations and maintenance, of the Mi-24 helicopters, out of Russia.

In 1999 the ATE undertook a contract for the modernization of 40 Mi-24 helicopters on behalf of the Algerian Air Force. The first one was delivered in the same year, with a new code name Super Hind.
Until 2004, the modernized helicopters had completed more than 14000 hours of flight, but already from 2002, the Algerian Air Force, satisfied with the result, proposed a contract for further modernizations to the ATE.

The main improvements:

The nose was redesigned in order to accept the modifications and the new electronic equipment.

The crew's cabin has now a wider field of view than Mi-24, the center of gravity moved backwards, thus increasing maneuverability and ease of low level flight.
The weight is reduced up to 2,000 kg.
The crew cabin is reinforced with Kevlar, to better protect the pilots.
Radio-electronic equipment was upgraded and modernized and is now compatible with the night vision binoculars. 
The cockpit is equipped with 2 multi-function monitors (dimensions 15,24 x 20,32 cm). 

Super Hind MkII (Mi-24)

It also has systems like:
GPS - (Global Positioning System)
A new Doppler navigation system.
On-monitor digital map.
Situation Awareness during flight system.
Advanced software.
New generation helicopters control system.
The targeting system "Argos-410" by "Denel" was installed.

The electronic systems that were used in Super Hind, come from the attack helicopter Denel Rooivalk.

Super Hind carries a 20 mm, motor guided, one-barrel gun with 840 of ammunition. For a typical mission plan, with 8 Kentron ZT35 Ingwe missiles (range 5 km) and 18 rockets of 400-20 mm, it can achieve a flight range of 230 km, at a medium speed of 220 km/h (including 20 minute spare fuel).

Super Hind MkIII (Mi-24)

In versions MkII/III an on-helmet targeting system was added (Archer R2 by Kentron), a new passive defense system (Vinten) and a special digital system which offers for less vibrations under certain flight circumstances.

Exports:
During 2003-2005, ΑΤΕ tried to promote Super Hind to NATO market and East European countries but with no success. The only exclusion was a show model for Bulgaria, which was modified with the participation of Bulgarian firms TEREM and LICONEX. This was a version analogous to Super Hind MkIII .The helicopter underwent extensive tests from February to March 2005.

Azerbaijan plans on upgrading its Mi-24, at the Konotor “Aviacon” plant with the participation of South African firms, as was stated by a Ukrainian source. Ukraine has also showed some interest in cooperating with South Africa for the modernization of its fleet.

Super Hind MkIII (Mi-24), fitted with a protective cover to the exhaust nozzles to reduce signature IR