Russian helicopter-maker Mil has selected the Mi-26 design as the foundation for building a next-generation heavylift machine.
The company previously studied a new, lighter variant similar in size to the Mi-6, also known as the Mi-46 project.
The Mi-26, which first flew in 1977 and entered service in 1981, is currently the world's largest and heaviest helicopter, with a maximum take-off weight of 56,000kg (123,500lb).
The Russian MoD has decided to resume procurement of newly built Mi-26s and to launch a service-life extension and modernisation effort on in-service machines.
Russian civilian organisations operate 52 Mi-26Ts and a "similar, somewhat larger" number is with the armed forces and ministry for emergencies, according to Mil general designer Aleksei Samusenko.
"The Russian air force has determined its needs with procurement and modernisation of heavylift helicopters," he says. "This breathes new life into the Mi-26."
Modernisation and new procurements will take place in 2015-2020 and, possibly, more will be ordered for delivery up to 2025.
"But we do not wait for that, we work with Rostertol [Mi-26 manufacturer] on the modernisation", says Samusenko.
India, which is seeking a new heavylift helicopter, "looks favorably" at the Mi-26, he says. The Indian air force already operates four Mi-26s, "and they proved their worth in operations up in the northern mountains".
India is being offered an improved Mi-26 with a "glass", English-language cockpit for two crew members, digital flight controls and better flight performance.
China, which operates two Mi-26Ts, has joined forces with Mil to design new heavylift helicopters, says Samusenko, but he will not elaborate.
NATO forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are also interested in Mil helicopters after using Mi-8/17s and Mi-24s in action and hirring Mi-26, he adds.
"With industries of certain NATO nations, we are putting together a programme for deep modernisation of the Mi-26 with focus on the requirements of NATO quick-reaction forces," says Samusenko. He hints that an earlier plan to develop an all-new heavylift helicopter platform has been abandoned.
Source: Flight International
