Anti-tank aircraft missile “Whirlwind-M” adapted for use by helicopters of the family “me”, This was stated by the official representative of the concern “Kalashnikov”.
Family helicopters “me” will receive an aviation anti-tank missile “Vortex”. Currently, work is underway on a modernized version of the rocket, developers intend to increase the firing range. To date, the missile system “Vortex” is in service with Ka-52 attack helicopters and is actively used as part of a special military operation of the Russian army in Ukraine.
Range increase, we are working on it… We are currently working on, to apply “Whirlwinds” from helicopters of the Mi family. Work is underway at the stage of R & D- said the spokesman “Kalashnikov”.
About works on adaptation of the complex “Whirlwind-M” to Mi-28NE and Mi-35P helicopters, and UAVs “Orion-E” in the group of companies “Kalashnikov” reported last year. At the same time, work was carried out to modernize the aviation guided missile “Vortex”. The ammunition was modernized as part of the unification program for helicopter weapons “Ka-52” and “Mi-28nm”, in May this year, it was reported that the first tests of an improved rocket were carried out. It was specified, that the work has not been completed yet.
Rocket complex 9K121M “Whirlwind-M” with missile 9M127-1 “Whirlwind-1” was developed in the late eighties at the Tula Instrument Design Bureau (KBP), officially adopted in 1992 city, however, mass production only began in 2013 year. The main purpose of the rocket “Whirlwind-M” - defeat of armored vehicles, including those with active armor, as well as air targets at speeds up to 800 kmh. Launch height - up to 4000 m, and the maximum firing range is 10 kilometers. Originally intended for the Su-25 and Ka-52.
