What is the biggest helicopter?

What is the Biggest Helicopter?

The biggest helicopter in the world is the Mil Mi-26T2, also known as the Mil V-26 or Nato Reporting Name "Halo." It is a heavy-lift transport helicopter designed and manufactured by the Russian defense company Rostec’s Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The Mi-26T2 is an absolute behemoth of a helicopter, with a length of 25.5 meters (83.7 feet) and a main rotor diameter of 32 meters (105 feet).

History and Design

The Mi-26T2 is the latest generation of the Mi-26 family, which has been in service since the 1970s. The original Mi-26 was designed to lift massive loads, including tanks, artillery pieces, and even large buildings. Over the years, the design has undergone numerous upgrades, and the T2 version was introduced in 2011. The T2 features advanced avionics, a new glass cockpit, and improved performance capabilities.

Specifications

Here are some of the key specifications of the Mil Mi-26T2:

• Length: 25.5 meters (83.7 feet)
• Main rotor diameter: 32 meters (105 feet)
• Height: 8.1 meters (26.6 feet)
• Weight: 28,000 kilograms (61,729 pounds)
• Max takeoff weight: 28,000 kilograms (61,729 pounds)
• Empty weight: 18,000 kilograms (39,683 pounds)
• Power: 2 x Soloviev D-136 turboshaft engines, 11,400 horsepower each
• Maximum speed: 320 kilometers per hour (199 miles per hour)
• Range: 600 kilometers (373 miles)
• Service ceiling: 4,000 meters (13,124 feet)
• Cruise altitude: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
• Payload capacity: 20,000 kilograms (44,091 pounds)

Capabilities

The Mi-26T2 is capable of lifting massive loads, including:

• Tanks: The Mi-26T2 can lift the Russian T-90A main battle tank, as well as other tanks weighing up to 15 tons.
• Artillery pieces: The helicopter can lift howitzers weighing up to 10 tons.
• Large buildings: In 2017, the Mi-26T2 set a Guinness World Record by lifting a 122-ton building during a construction project in Moscow.
• Cargo: The helicopter can carry large cargo loads, including 20 tons of cargo, and can also be used for search and rescue missions.

Operators

The Mi-26T2 is operated by several countries, including:

• Russia: The Russian Air Force operates a fleet of Mi-26T2s, and they are used for both military and civilian purposes.
• India: The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of Mi-26T2s, which are used for search and rescue missions and cargo transport.
• China: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force operates a fleet of Mi-26T2s, which are used for military and civilian purposes.
• Ukraine: The Ukrainian Air Force operates a fleet of Mi-26T2s, which are used for military and civilian purposes.

Challenges and Limitations

While the Mi-26T2 is an incredibly powerful and capable helicopter, it is not without its challenges and limitations. Some of the key challenges and limitations include:

• Noise: The Mi-26T2 is one of the loudest helicopters in the world, which can make it difficult to operate in populated areas.
• Fuel consumption: The helicopter has a high fuel consumption rate, which can make it expensive to operate.
• Maintenance: The Mi-26T2 is a complex machine, and maintenance can be time-consuming and costly.
• Cost: The Mi-26T2 is a very expensive helicopter, with a price tag of around $50 million per unit.

Conclusion

The Mil Mi-26T2 is the biggest helicopter in the world, and it is a testament to Russian engineering and design. With its massive lifting capacity and impressive performance capabilities, the Mi-26T2 is a valuable asset for military and civilian operators alike. While it may have some challenges and limitations, the Mi-26T2 is an incredible machine that is sure to continue serving for years to come.

Key Takeaways

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• The Mil Mi-26T2 is the biggest helicopter in the world, with a length of 25.5 meters and a main rotor diameter of 32 meters.
• The helicopter has a massive lifting capacity, and can lift tanks, artillery pieces, and large buildings.
• The Mi-26T2 is operated by several countries, including Russia, India, China, and Ukraine.
• The helicopter has some challenges and limitations, including noise, fuel consumption, maintenance, and cost.
• Despite these challenges, the Mi-26T2 is a valuable asset for military and civilian operators alike.

Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table between the Mil Mi-26T2 and other notable helicopters:

Note: The specifications listed are for the civilian variants of each helicopter.