DHS-Mi-24P
AT/AA Attack Helicopter
GUIDE > RTS > WGRD > UNIT
by
Pijove
Posted on May 18, 2020
Introduction
DHS Mi-24P, one of the few helicopters in the game that have both an AT & AA Missiles. (Others being; Lynx 3, Ka-50 Akula, PAH2-Tiger, HN-42 Gama & HN-44 Gama 2)
Comments of DHS Mi-24P stats (Fig.)
- Auto Cannon: good, but note it is fixed and not turreted
- AA Missile: 4 HE, low but acceptable, can still one shot certain helicopters
- AT Missile: 2800m range is great, Accuracy is ok, AP is ok.
- Strength: 10, Great
- Size: Big, bad as it makes it more vulnerable
- Speed: 330km/h, excellent,
- Autonomy: 450km, low but ok, same as Ka-50 & Lynx 3
- Armour: 1/1/0/0, 1 armour is useful against ‘small arms’ fire
- Optics: Poor, you need recon assistance
- Prototyped: Yes, E-Germany & Eastern Bloc
Armament
Main Cannon (GSh-30k)
It’s important to notice that this weapon is fixed, as this alters what kind of support you can provide. When the unit is in idle position, rotating to face target doesn’t require much time. However, moving into position may take 5-10 seconds, as the whole helicopter rocks around. It is only the Russian Mi-24VP that gets a turreted version of this weapon. The main cannon when able to shoot is very capable at destroying infantry, lightly armour vehicle and helicopters. In an open set position, it can take out multiple transports very quickly. Forests or urban areas, not recommended.
Anti-Air Missile (R-60M Molinya)
An interesting stat is the Anti-plane range, which is 3150m. On other AA helicopters it is usually <2km. The HE value of 4 is low for dedicated anti-plane duties. A tactic I like to do is have the helicopter lurk near the front lines. There will be times when enemy planes will stray into range. Harming the enemy plane, and allowing Tor, Osa or Polish MiG-29 to finish it off with one hit or vice versa (Fig.).
A majority of usage of AA missile will be against helicopters. Transport helicopters are an easy target, as they usually can’t fight back well. To give context on other AA helicopters, it is important to note their key features (Fig.). Not listed, but Tiger and Ninja helicopters have ‘Good’ stealth, so being ambushed is a real threat if there is no recon near.
The DHS Mi-24P is fast and has good range, but it is big and lacks accuracy relatively, which becomes even more problematic as some helicopters can be ‘Very small’ or ‘Small’ decreasing accuracy further. I think this helicopter is most effective when used at maximum range so other AA helicopters can’t fight back. For those with same range will mean only one can engage you at a time. If they start to rush you, pull back you are still able to fly backwards a bit and launch AA missiles. I like to use a pair of DHS Mi-24P to snipe a single helicopter, then disengage. Helicopter rushes are a threat, The ‘blob’ often don’t have many AA helicopter included. AA helicopters are a great counter they are more mobile that ground units. 330km/h is the fastest helicopters can travel. DHS Mi-24P is 330km/h. Exception being the Supercobra can go 350kmh.
Anti-Tank Missile (Kokon-M)
2800m is longest range helicopters can launch missiles (Nimrod is an exception) . For East Germany and Eastern bloc Kokon-M is the missile with greatest AP value although 22 AP is low compared to TOW2 or HELLFIRE. If targeting expensive tanks head on the missile will do little damage, but a side shot will do significantly more (Fig.). Armour 8 or less can be destroyed by a single missile.
Logistically the DHS Mi-24P only carries 4xAT & 4xAA missiles so it isn’t able to stay out on the field long before it needs rearmed. The map will often dictate what way, but there are a few. Returning to Fob is least effort, but most time consuming as it is most distance. Having a supply helo is effective as you can decide where you want to resupply. If it is a large map you may want to consider, have a supply truck as a link, where supply helicopters resupply the truck, then return to the fob to resupply, meanwhile the helicopters can resupply off the trucks. A stat not well known is the supply cost of a missile: [Kokon-M: 161], [TOW2: 219], [Hellfire: 243], [Vikor: 242].
Usage
DHS Mi-24P can perform any different roles (Fig.)
It’s very good for a fast opening AA escort. Lurking near the front line is can be an unorthodox solution to assist in air defence against planes. Defence against armoured pushes. Even the presence of an AT helicopter can deter the enemy. A good combo is to use it with the Polish Recon ATGM helicopter (Fig.) allowing you to do skirmishes eliminating vulnerable units, however be aware the recon helicopter may not be able to spot AA in cover until it fires, especially the longer ranged AA units. Be cautious of areas with little recon to provide information.
Conclusion
An affordable balanced versatile unit. Not the most accurate or hardest hitting but for its price range that is to be expected. Due to having a Fixed turret and no rocket pods, it not as useful at fire support, especially close-range over forests like other Mi-24 Variants. High Speed, and long ranges on the missile systems allow it chose what to target & when to engage.
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