The following spectacular video compiled and produced by Mariusz Adamski shows the operation of Polish Mi-8 Hip and Mi-24 Hind helicopters over the Afghan theater.
Things that are worth highlighting:
First of all, the helicopters, due to the high altitudes above sea level very rarely used the VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) capabilities; they rather used runways and wings in order to produce the lift needed for take-off.
Secondly one can notice use of flares as the insurgents were believed to be in possesion of Stinger AAMs
The Mi-8 has additional armor plates mounted that act to provide safety for the pilots and protect them from small arms fire. Hinds were used for SAR escort purpose.
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Noteworthy, a Mi-24 can bee seen together with a SAR UH-60.
The flights were usually carried aut at low altitudes above the ground, as that would have a psychological effect on the enemy. Adding to that, the choppers were exactly the same models that Soviet Russians used during their operations in Afghanistan.
Jacek Siminski for TheAviationist
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