In brief: Russia’s Ministry of Defense has published videos and images of a modified “Orion” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) along with Mi-8AMTSh-VN and Mi-28NM Attack helicopters carrying long-range cruise missiles and jet-powered drones. These will potentially provide Russia with a vastly increased battlefield range.
Several military issues websites have published videos and images of aerial vehicles carrying long-range, compact cruise missiles and jet-powered drones. They mark Moscow’s efforts to develop a more cost-effective alternative to conventional air-launched cruise missiles which will reduce the threat to crewed aircraft on the battlefield.
Banderol/Orion combination
In July, footage released on arch-propagandist Vladimir Solovyov’s Telegram/MAX channels, later posted on the Vesti and other news sites, showed an Orion (Inokhodets) UAV carrying the S8000 Banderol cruise missile. However, the underslung weapon was deliberately blurred and the footage did not show the missile being launched. Comments on the video suggested that the drone was being prepared to act as a dedicated missile launch platform.
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The Ukrainian UNN news site, citing Defense Express, noted a major modification to the drone, including that the optoelectronic system normally mounted in the nose of the UAV had been removed. It suggested it may have been replaced with a guidance, communications and remote launch structure. Guided by GPS/GONLASS or inertial navigation along with satellite communications it would potentially provide Russia’s armed forces with an unmatched stand-off capability.
According to the publication, the S8000, variously described as a “long-range jet-powered drone” or a “compact air-launched cruise missile,” was designed and manufactured by Russia’s JSC Kronstadt, which also developed the Orion UAV. It is powered by the Chinese SW800Pro-A95 jet engine which gives it a range of up to 500 kilometers (300+ miles) and a maximum speed of around 620 kph (390 mph). It carries a 115-kilogram (250-pound) high explosive warhead.
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The “Orion” UAV has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) and can carry a 180-kilogram (400-pound) payload, and can reach speeds from of up to 200 kph (125 mph).
Image of the Banderol/Orion combination published on July 29: Photo: OSINTwarfare/X
Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter/Dan-T combination
The Ukrainian Telegram channel Vertical Team, which specializes in “all things helicopter-related,” published images of the Russian “Sapsan”Mi-8AMTSh-VN transport and combat helicopter on Oct. 12. It drew attention to changes to the aircraft’s weapon systems mounting. It highlighted that the normal six BD3-57KrV pylons had been reduced to four more modern, more aerodynamic weapon stations which it deduced were intended to carry compact cruise missiles or jet-powered drones – such as the “Dan-T.”
According to Forbes the Dan-T long-range jet-powered loitering munition was first unveiled in September. It is said to have been based on the Dan-M aerial target used to test close-in air defense systems. Analogous to small cruise missiles employing the Russian-designed MD-120 turbojet engine. It is said to carry a 130-kilogram (286-pound) warhead, over a reported 450-kilometer (280-mile) range, with a maximum speed of 500 kph (300 mph).
The Mil Mi-8 (NATO: Hip) is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, first introduced into service in 1968, originally used as a transport helicopter. Since then, variations have served as airborne command posts, gunships, reconnaissance platforms and most lately in a counter-drone role by both Russia and Ukraine.
The Mi-8AMTSH-VN “Sapsan” variant first appeared in 2017, as a special operations and airborne forces support platform. It was further developed completed between 2019 and 2020, based on combat experience in Syria incorporating lessons learned from combat operations in Syria.
Image showing the modifications to the weapon mounts on Mi-8AMTSH-VN “Sapsan.” Photo: The Vertical Team/Telegram
Mi-28 NM and Banderol/Dan-T
On Nov. 6, Russia’s Ministry of Defense released footage of its Mi-28NM “Night Hunter” attack helicopter launching a cruise missile, which could be either the 8000 Banderol or Dan-T jet-powered loitering munition. The two systems are very similar in appearance with some analysts suggesting the Dan-T, which is said to be based on the Dan-M aerial target but was originally intended as an export version of the Banderol.
The Mil Mi-28 (NATO: Havoc) is originally a Soviet-era heavy-weight, tandem-seat anti-armor attack helicopter. It was introduced around 1982 and has seen a number of upgrades and role changes since then. The Mi-28 N came into service in 2006 and was further upgraded to the Mi-28NM and its export derivative the Mi-28NE around 2015.
As with the integration of these other types of relatively inexpensive long-range weapons with aerial platforms, they offer the Mi-28NM a range increase orders of magnitude over its conventional armament – anti-tank guided missiles 30mm cannon and unguided rockets. The range increase has been assessed by some as an increase from 15 kilometers (9.5 miles) to 400+ kilometers (250 miles).
The significant range increase not only allows the helicopters to engage ground targets at a longer distance but reduces the threat to the aircraft from Ukrainian air defenses. Statistics for Russian helicopter losses during the war in Ukraine published by the Oryx OSINT site show how vulnerable rotary winged aircraft are. According to their figures more than 150 Russian helicopters of all types, including more than 20 Mi-28s, have been lost.
Both in terms of target effectiveness of the compact cruise missiles and the protection their increased stand-off affords, the platform makes them an attractive proposition for Moscow’s armed forces. Simply in terms of cost comparison, the development makes sense – with estimated costs showing the differential. The Dan-T is estimated to cost around $100,000, while the Banderol is 35% more expensive at around $150,000 and a true cruise missile the Kh-101 coming in at $2,000,000-$2,400,000.
Mi-28NM “Night Hunter” carrying a Dan-T / 8000 Banderol compact cruise missile. Screenshot from Russian Ministry of Defense video
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