The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has placed a contract with Rostov-based Rosvertol to convert an unspecified number of Mil Mi-24 military helicopters for a civil security role. A prototype has been stripped of its weapons and armour, the airframe fitted with new communications equipment and loudspeakers installed beneath the stub wings. A searchlight has been mounted in the nose, the undercarriage has been fixed, and the cabin has been converted to accommodate a special weapons and tactics team. The Moscow police department originally carried out extended trials in the use of helicopters in the role of civil security using a Bell 206, but it had to return the aircraft to the manufacturer because of a shortage of hard currency. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations is also interested in the modified Mi-24s.
Source: Flight International
