I can believe that. CAS from a Russian would be a sight to behold, they are more crazy than our guys.
Last time I read about them decades ago, they had to taxi to take off with full load. I would wager the engines and transmissions have been upgraded since then.
Somewhat, and their newer types (like the Ka-52) don’t have to do that. The older designs like the Mi-6, Mi-8 and the Mi-24 do because their ‘winglets’ actually generate significant lift that they sometimes need to get off the ground at full load.
On the other hand, full load for an Mi-24 is actually heavier than the CH-46E. The Mi-24 has two 2200shp Isotov turbines and its max takeoff weight is 11,500kg/25,353lbs to the twin 1250shp GE turbines and 11,022kg/24,300lbs for the CH-46E. The Mi-8 the Mi-24 is built off of can lift even more and is the most produced helicopter in world history.
Something else to note - Mi-24s have been known to shrug off Stinger and Redeye hits. A Stinger or Redeye can take them down, but it’s not a all-but-guaranteed kill like it is on a Western chopper.
Here’s the first known video of their latest addition (it’s not replacing the Hind) to their arsenal, the KA-52, in combat. Not the closest support, not like the guys in the Hind, but interesting to watch. These are the ones with no tail rotor and twin contra-rotating main rotors. These things can barrel roll, loop and circle strafe with ease.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oixIcGRG0U