Mil Mi-26 Reaches 45 Years Old, The World's Largest Helicopter That Still Exists

Mil Mi-26 Reaches 45 Years Old, The World's Largest Helicopter That Still Exists


Maybe not many know that yesterday 45 years ago, which coincided with December 14, 1977, was a historic moment in the world of heavy transport helicopters. Which is the first flight of the Mil Mi-26 which is currently lined up as the largest transport helicopter that still exists, even the Mi-26 is still being marketed by JSC Rosoboronexport.


Referring to the time of development, Mi-26 is the fruit of the glory of the Soviet Union. With the atmosphere of the Cold War surging, the Soviets in the decade of the 60s tried to build a helicopter that had the same capacity as the Antonov An-12 turboprop four-engined transport aircraft. This type of transport aircraft has also been operated by the Indonesian Air Force in the 1960s.

The Mil Mi-26 then began to be designed in the early 1970s by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant design bureau. From its extra large weight and having the ability to transport cargo via slings weighing 12 tons, the Mi-26 was originally intended to support heavy construction work, building bridges and installing power transmissions. When entering the manufacturing stage, the Mi-26 was produced by Rostvertol.

Mil Mi-26 is also known as the world's first helicopter that uses a main rotor with eight propeller blades. The power source is supplied by two Lotarev D-136 turboshaft engines, each of which is capable of producing 8,500 kW (11,399 shp). In its specifications, this helicopter is not equipped with weapons.

Another advantage as a giant helicopter, the cargo space facility is equipped with two electric cranes, each of which has a towing capacity of 2.5 tons. This crane is used to facilitate the process of moving cargo in the cargo hold.

Capable of carrying a payload of 20 tonnes, the first production Mil Mi-26 was designated "Halo" by NATO, and rolled out of the factory on October 4, 1980. With more cargo space than the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the Mil Mi-26 made its first international debut in Paris AirShow 1981. Development of the Mi-26 helicopter was completed in 1983, and in 1985 it was put into service by the Soviet Union military.


In exclusive coverage in August 2022, Indomiliter.com has the opportunity to not only take a close look, but also get inside the cargo hold and cockpit of the Mi-26. You can see the results of this coverage in the video below.


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