Bengaluru: This is the only assault helicopter that the Indian Air Force possesses. Loaded with high-end tech features, this metal bird can operate during the night and day with equal ease. The formidable machine can carry a mixed load of armaments up to 12 tonnes, which is more than what a MiG 21 fighter jet can fly with.

Meet the strongest helicopter of the IAF the Mi-35, which was the major attraction at the static display of the air show. It is one of the few military choppers in the world that can carry rockets, missiles and bombs at the same time.

Sqn Ldr Sandhu, the main pilot, says Mi-35, which has undergone upgradation to suit the needs of IAF, can carry out various assault missions. The pilots are provided with NVG (night vision goggle) kit which enables them to shoot the target even during the night.

“This versatile chopper can take out enemy targets, column of tanks and establish air dominance over a particular area. Till recently, Mi-35 was the fastest moving assault helicopter in the world. It can fly at speeds of up to 320 kmph. Its worth has been proved in combat situations. One of the special features of the machine is that the strong four-bore nose gun rotates as per the movement of the pilot’s head,” he says.

On the selection process for flying the Mi-35, Sqn Ldr Sandhu says, “Some of the finest helicopter pilots are chosen to fly these special machines. Flying this chopper requires hard training and practice. We are now preparing for the air-to-air attack maneouvres and we are conducting joint exercises with the Army and Air Force.”

It’s not a chopper, it’s a crocodile

During a recent joint exercise of the Indian Air Force with a friendly force, the Mi-35 was codenamed ‘Crocodile’. The country where the Mi-35 team was participating, crocodile is considered the most dangerous creature.