Mil Mi-24D/W

In this latest installment of the Topshots series, Kagero provides a great look at the Mil Mi-24D/W series. The Mi-24D [Hind D] was the first to employ the dual cockpit configuration of the Mi-24, the previous versions had a single 'greenhouse' glass cockpit. When the Mi-24D went to war in Afghanistan, a new version was developed to address the combat lessons learned, this was designated the Mi-24V [Hind E] (transliterated as Mi-24W in Polish). These improvements included chaff/flare launchers, engine exhaust IR suppressors, centrifugal air filters on the intakes, updated anti-tank missile capability and more. Many of these improvements were so critical that they were retrofitted to many of the fielded Mi-24Ds.

In this title, the authors have accomplished a meticulous walk around of several Polish Mi-24D and Mi-24V(W) aircraft. Several of these machines were undergoing maintenance, so there are lots of shots of open panels and details that I haven't seen published before. For example, this is the first book I can recall showing the passage between the main cabin and the pilot's cockpit.

The authors also make a point to show some of the armament used on the Mi-24 including the anti-tank guided missiles, the huge GSh-23 23mm gunpod (one with the front cover removed), the triple machine gun pod, and the grenade launcher pod, to name a few.

Unlike the Kagero titles in other series, this series has a single page of historical summary about the aircraft in English, with the remainder of the title driving straight into the photo coverage with captions in English and Polish.

Markings are included for three Polish Hinds that are illustrated in the early photography. The decals are provided in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35 scales. All three aircraft wear the standard gray and green over light blue camouflage.

The aviation historian and modeler alike will want to add this to their reference libraries - especially considering the VERY reasonable retail price! This title is highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!