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In 1966, Soviet aircraft designer Mikhail Mil created a mock-up design of a new helicopter (derived from the Mil Mi-8) which was made with the intent of fulfilling both the role of a close air support aircraft as well as being able to transport infantry into combat.[1] This prototype design was designated the V-24, and in 1968 a directive was given to proceed with the development of the helicopter.
The Mi-24 went from the drawing board to the first test-flights in less than eighteen months, with the first models being delivered to the Soviet Armed Forces for evaluation in 1971. As a result of the speedy development, the initial Mi-24 variants had a number of problems: lateral roll, weapon sighting issues, and a limited field of view for the pilot. A later redesign of the Mi-24's front section solved most of these problems.
(Hind-B) The Mi-24A was the second production model. Both the Mi-24 and Mi-24A entered into Soviet Air Forces service in 1972. It lacked the four-barrel Yak-B 12.7mm machine gun under the nose.
