Ukrainian pilots use US rockets on Soviet helicopter gunships.

Ukrainian pilots use US rockets on Soviet helicopter gunships.

Ukraine Upgrades its Helicopter Arsenal with US-Made Rockets

Ukraine’s military is undergoing a transformation as it looks to modernize its weaponry. One of the latest developments is the adoption of US-made 70mm Hydra rockets for its attack helicopters. This move represents a significant shift away from the Soviet-era munitions that Ukraine has relied on for years.

A recent video that surfaced on social media showcased a Ukrainian attack helicopter using these newly acquired US-made rockets. In the footage, members of the aircrew can be seen loading the 70mm rockets into an adapted M261 rocket pod mounted under the stub wing of a Mi-24V helicopter.

It is worth noting that the helicopter in question is one of the Hinds that were generously donated by the Czech Republic last year. These US-made Hydra rockets, along with the 19-shot M261 rocket pod, are replacing the previously used S-8 80mm rockets and the 20-shot B-8V20 rocket pod typically seen on Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopters.

While we don’t have all the details about the modifications required to employ the new unguided rockets, it is evident that these US-made Hydra rockets show promise for enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine’s attack helicopters.

It is interesting to observe that the Hydra rockets supplied to Ukraine were originally provided with laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) kits, although so far, the ground launch platforms have been the primary recipients of this variant. The rockets seen in the video appear to be equipped with the standard unguided M151 High-Explosive warhead.

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The utilization of US-made ammunition is gradually replacing the older Soviet-era S-8 80mm unguided rockets, which have become depleted due to extensive usage by Su-25 attack aircraft, as well as Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. In fact, the Su-25 has been seen using the LAU-10 4-shot rocket pods loaded with the Zuni 5-inch Folding-Fin Aircraft Rockets (FFAR) for several months.

Moreover, in addition to the adoption of modern rockets, Ukraine is also taking steps to enhance the safety of its helicopter pilots. The aircrew featured in the video could be seen wearing the US-made Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Aircrew Ballistic Helmet and a Maxillofacial Shield. These helmets were procured last year by Ukraine with the aim of improving the chances of survival for their helicopter pilots.

This upgrade in weaponry and safety equipment signifies Ukraine’s commitment to modernize its military capabilities. By replacing outdated Soviet-era munitions with advanced US-made rockets, Ukraine is positioning itself to effectively counter potential threats and bolster its defense strategy. These developments bode well for the future of Ukraine’s armed forces and their ability to maintain peace and security in the region.

• News Contributor
• The Aviationist
• Ukraine