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The Mi-26 is a heavy transport helicopter produced by Rosvertol’s aviation plant in Russia. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 295km/h, which makes it one of the world’s fastest helicopters. It is the largest and most powerful helicopter that can lift an airliner with remarkable ease.

The Mi-26 is the world’s largest production helicopter equipped with two D-136 turbo-shaft engines (power of 11,400hp each). It achieves a maximum flight range of 800km with main fuel tanks and can fly at a maximum altitude of 4,600m (15,091ft). The Mil Mi-26 is a Soviet/Russian heavy transport helicopter. Its product code is izdeliye 90. Operated by both military and civilian operators, it is the largest and most powerful helicopter to have gone into series production.

Maximum speed: 295 km/h (183.30 mph) Range: 497.10 mi Maiden flight: 14 Dec 1977 Length: 131.32 ft Wingspan: 104.99 ft Cruising speed: 255 km/h (158.45 mph)

The Mil Mi-26 is a twin-engine heavy transport helicopter designed and manufactured by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Russia, for both military and civilian roles. It is the second largest and powerful helicopter in the world, and entered into service in 1985.

The helicopter's maiden flight took place in December 1977. About 276 Mi-26 helicopters are currently in service worldwide.The Mi-26 has 13 variants, which include Mi-26A, Mi-26M, Mi-26MS, Mi-26NEF-M, Mi-26P, Mi-26PP, Mi-26PK, Mi-26S, Mi-26T, Mi-26TP, Mi-26TS, Mi-26TZ and Mi-27.

The Mi-26A is an advanced version of the Mi-26 and completed its flight test in 1985. It is upgraded with a structured PNK-90 flight navigation system for automated approach and decline.

Another variant, the Mi-26M is an upgraded version of Mi-26. It is incorporated with a flight navigation system, D-127 turboshaft engines, an electronic flight instrumentation system and aerodynamic rotor blades for better performance.

The Mi-26T is a commercial cargo or freight transport version. It was first showcased in the 1997 Moscow Air Show. The helicopter was later displayed at Farnborough Air Show held in 2002 after installing advanced avionics by Rostvertol.

The Mi-26MS is an upgraded model of the Mi-26T. The variant is a medical evacuation helicopter and comprises intensive care section for four casualties and two medics, ambulance section for five stretcher patients, three seated casualties and two attendants, and a laboratory.

The Mi-26NEF-M is another variant of Mi-26 fitted with a search radar below the nose radome. It is an anti-submarine warfare version, which boasts heat exchangers and towed MAD housing fitted on a ramp.

The Mi-26P is a passenger transport version, which can carry 70 to 100 passengers. The variant features airline-type seating, with a centre aisle, bathroom, kitchen and cloakroom near the flight deck.

Another variant, the Mi-26PP, is a radio relayed version with its first flight test completed in 1986. The Mi-26PK is derived from the Mi-26P. It is a flying crane helicopter introduced in 1997. The Mi-26S is a disaster relief version incorporated with a discharging liquid tank and underbelly spraying apparatusThe Mi-26TP is a fire-fighting helicopter, which can distribute 17,260l of water from a squat VSU-15 bucket. It was first introduced in 1994.

Another variant, the Mi-26TS, is an export version of the Mi-26T supplied to Samsung Aerospace Industries, South Korea.
The Mi-26TZ is a fuel tanker version, while the Mi-27 is airborne command post variant.

The Mi-26 is designed to increase flight safety and reliability. It also reduces the workload of the flight crew, the mission planning time and the total operational cost. It is designed to replace its earlier version Mi-6 and Mi-12 helicopters.

The Mi-26 can perform a number of tasks, including the transferring of military equipments, namely personnel carriers and mobile ballistic missiles, to distant locations.

Composite material used in the fuselage design reduces the overall weight of the helicopter. The alloys used in the fuselage construction are 26% lighter than aluminium alloys earlier used in the Mi-6 helicopter.

The Mi-26 features eight main rotor blades and five tail rotor blades fitted above the mid-fuselage section on hump. The heavy load carrying capacity and high cruise speed feature allow the helicopter to be economically efficient.

The helicopter also comprises a cargo compartment on the rear side of the cockpit. The compartment, which is 12m long, 3.3m wide and 3.2m high, can hold two combat vehicles of approximately 1,000kg each. Two electric winches on the overhead rails are used to move loads into the cabin. It also boasts a closed-circuit television camera to monitor the positioning of slung load.

The Mi-26 boasts electrically de-iced main and tail rotor blades, infrared jammers, infrared suppressors, infrared decoy dispensers and a colour-coded identification flare system to protect the helicopter from ballistic missiles. Infrared jammers block the infrared signal transmission and protect the helicopter from infrared missiles.