Mi 36 Hammer
To meet the demands for greater: range, payload and speed the Mil design bureau decided that their Mi 24/35 Hind workhorse was still a viable platform for development. Based on the success of the Eurocopter X3 they looked to apply the core principles of twin props on the ends of quite substantial wings, along with the removal of the tail rotor.
As the helicopter's speed increases the powered lift provided by the main rotor is reduced until it almost operates as an autogyro. Effort was also focused on drag reduction, hence the more streamlined single canopy cockpit and general aerodynamic clean up. The nose mounted cannon was also modified to a retractable mounting, for transit flight operation.
With tensions increasing over Arctic Circle mineral and oil deposits, the extended range Mi36s provided the on station persistence and capability necessary to ensure that, the Russian state maintained control over its strategic resources. VDV (Airborne) units have regularly seen off American, Norwegian and Canadian incursions into territories yet to be formally recognised as Russian sovereign holdings . As the warming climate makes the Arctic waters increasingly accessible. The Mi36s have been involved in protection of valuable fisheries against unlicensed trawlers, Russian marine units regularly board and inspect suspect vessels. A glance at the Mi36s all to evident offensive capability tends to pacify even the most corsair of captains.
NATO analysts retained the deferential naming practises of recent years by calling the Mi 36 the Hammer, a moniker that was met with approval by its crews.