Mil Mi-26 "Halo"
Rostvertol / Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant · Russia · first flew 1977 · helicopter
The Mil Mi-26 Halo is the world's largest production helicopter, capable of lifting payloads rivalling many fixed-wing transports. Its eight-blade main rotor and twin turboshaft engines provide an unmatched combination of lifting power and range.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 33.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- World's largest production helicopter — eight-blade main rotor
- Twin Lotarev D-136 turboshafts above the massive hold
- Can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo internally or externally
Enormous size is the primary identifier — it dwarfs all other helicopters in service; the eight-blade main rotor, rectangular cross-section fuselage, and rear loading ramp are distinctive.
Specifications
- The Mil Mi-26 has a length of 33.7 m (111 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 32 m (105 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 295 km/h (183 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1977 and entering Soviet service in 1983, the Mi-26 was designed to replace the Mi-6 with twice the payload capability. It has been used in military logistics, disaster relief, firefighting, and heavy construction tasks worldwide.
Variants
The Mi-26T is the civil/commercial variant; the Mi-26TM flying crane has a gondola for a third pilot beneath the fuselage; the Mi-26T2V is a modernised military version with updated avionics.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Russian military and civilian operators, as well as air forces and civil operators in India, China, Peru, and other nations; used extensively in humanitarian operations.
Related aircraft
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