During a high-speed attack helicopter mission, a Ukrainian Mi-8 pilot shares the secrets of his crew’s success: low-level flying, quick execution and a dedicated support team. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Marjan Kushnir was on board with the team, capturing footage of airstrikes targeting Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.
This Mi-8 team attacks the occupying soldiers three times a day. Marjan Kušnir asks the helicopter pilot how she feels about being on the battlefield.
“It’s crazy adrenaline! It’s the first thing you feel. No fear, just adrenaline. Our work is difficult. There are a lot of details to consider, but today we were successful. Today we hit the enemy,” says Ukrainian pilot Oleh.
Once the helicopter pilot receives the coordinates, the team is airborne within minutes. Mi-8 helicopters fly low-speed combat missions using the countryside as cover.
This mission resulted in a successful strike on Russian positions. Once the helicopter is back, it is reloaded and ready for another attack within 30 minutes.
Russian-made Mi-8 helicopters have been in use since the 1960s. They have been a key asset in the air forces of 50 nations.
In August, a Russian pilot defected to Ukraine, taking an Mi-8 helicopter with him.
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2023-10-15 12:12:44
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