Mil Mi-26: The History of the largest and most powerful helicopter in the world

Its robust design and ability to perform tasks that other helicopters cannot make it an iconic piece of aerospace engineering.

The Story of a Giant with a Rotating Wing

The largest and most powerful helicopter in the world is the Mil Mi-26, also know as “Halo” according to the designation of the I’LL TAKE. This helicopter, of Soviet origin, has been a giant among helicopters since its first flight in 1977.

The Soviet Mil Mi-26 helicopter was designed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, to meet the needs of the Soviet army and Aeroflotthe national airline, to operate in remote and hard-to-reach regions of the vast Soviet Union.

Its purpose was to carry heavy loads and perform tasks that other helicopters could not, such as transporting large pieces of military equipment or performing large-scale rescue missions. It can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo internally or 20 tonnes on an external sling.

The 1970s and the Creation of the Mi-26

Development of the Mi-26 began in the 1970s as a replacement for the V-12 twin-rotor helicopter, which did not meet expectations. The Mil design team opted for a more conventional approach with a single rotor, which significantly reduced the helicopter’s weight and increased its payload capacity.

To minimize weight, a titanium alloy was used in the main rotor hubs and the rotor blades were made of fiberglass, a significant improvement over the Mi-6’s wooden blades. In addition, air intakes adapted for arid climates were incorporated.

The First V-26 Prototype

The prototype, designated V-26, made its first flight on December 14, 1977. The Mi-26 subsequently went through a rigorous state testing process between May 1979 and August 1980, which culminated in its adoption by the army. Soviet.

The Mi-26 demonstrated its impressive capabilities on February 3, 1982 by lifting a total mass of 56,768 kg to a height of 2000 meters. In 1996, it set a Guinness record by transporting 224 paratroopers, the largest number of people transported by helicopter.

Capabilities and Features of the Mi-26

It is the largest helicopter in terms of physical size, with a length of about 40 meters and a main rotor diameter of about 32 meters. It is equipped with two turboshaft engines that provide exceptional power, allowing it to reach maximum speeds of around 295 km/h. It is also capable of transporting up to 80 passengers in its transport configuration.

Although initially designed for military use, it has found applications in civilian operations, including heavy lift transport and humanitarian missions. Also, it has participated in a variety of missions, from infrastructure construction to natural disaster support.

Comparisons

Although there are other powerful helicopters, such as the CH-47 Chinook, the Mil Mi-26 remains unsurpassed in terms of payload capacity and size. As of 2015, a total of 316 Mil Mi-26 helicopters had been built.

Challenges and Limitations

• Operating Costs: Due to its size and complexity, it has high operating costs.
• Required Infrastructure: Requires specialized infrastructure for maintenance and operations, which limits its use in some areas.

It has undergone various updates to improve its performance and technological capabilities. Variants: There are several variants of the Mi-26 designed for different purposes, including military transport, firefighting and medical evacuation versions.

The Mil Mi-26 has left a significant mark on aviation history, as the largest and most powerful helicopter in the world to date and has proven that it is possible to transport heavy loads efficiently and effectively in a helicopter.

Mil Mi-26 Technical Data Sheet

• Name: Mil Mi-26
• Nickname: “Halo” (NATO designation)
• Type: Heavy transport helicopter
• Manufacturer: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
• First Flight: December 14, 1977
• Introduction into Service: 1983

Dimensions

• Length: 40 meters (131 feet)
• Height: 8,145 meters (26.7 feet)
• Main Rotor Diameter: 32 meters (105 feet)
• Main Rotor Area: 804 m² (8,654 ft²)

Propulsion

• Engines: 2 x engine turboprop Lotarev D-136
• Power per Engine: 11,400 hp (8,500 kW) each

Performance

• Top Speed: 295 km/h (183 mph)
• Range: 1,920 km (1,190 mi) with auxiliary fuel charge
• Service Ceiling: 4,600 meters (15,100 feet)
• Load Capacity: Up to 20 tons internally or 20 tons on external sling

Ability

• Crew: 5-6 (2 pilots, 1 flight engineer, 1 navigator, 1 radio operator, optionally 1 technician)
• Passengers: Up to 80 soldiers or 60 stretchers

Special features

• Overpressurized cabin: Prepared for CBRN conditions (nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical)
• Use of Materials: Titanium alloy in the main rotor bushings and fiberglass rotor blades
• Transmission System: Specially designed to handle the load and size of the helicopter

Uses and Roles

• Heavy load transport
• Rescue and evacuation operations
• Military logistical support
• Humanitarian missions
• Records and Recognitions
• Set several world records in lifting weights at specific heights
• Recognized for its load capacity and versatility in large-scale operations