A new upgraded Mi-24 Hind demonstrator, ZU-BOI was on display by the South African Advanced Technologies and Engineering in the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition held September 2008. The newest features include composite main rotor blades and new advanced sand filter engine intakes. Both of these additions greatly increase the performance and maintainability of this Russia's premiere attack helicopter.
Second hand Hinds have been shipped to African countries from the Ukraine. With the help of the Czech company LOM Praha who spacialize in the overhaul these types of aircraft, new life is being injected into this aircraft. The militaries who aligned themselves with the USSR during the Cold War have seen their armedforces degraded because of a lack of funds, spare parts and neglect. Very few African countries have any military air capability to speak of.
