Russian Helicopters has produced the first serial examples of the Mil Mi-28UB, a combined combat and trainer variant of the company's attack helicopter.

The aircraft are currently undergoing customer acceptance testing at the company's Moscow facilities, and by year-end the airframer intends to deliver a total of eight to the Russian defence ministry, which will eventually procure 60 examples.

Russian Helicopters believes the changes will enhance the popularity of the attack rotorcraft, which is equipped with dual hydro-mechanical controls, crash-resistant seats and additional space to accommodate a flight instructor.

"The Mi-28 has proved its efficiency, so we are expecting that its training version will be in great demand," says Andrey Boginsky, chief executive of Russian Helicopters. "This dual-control helicopter breaks new ground for training flight personnel for machines of this type."