Mi-26

The Mil Mi‑26, often called the ‘Hook’ in NATO terminology, is the world’s heaviest production helicopter. Developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in the 1970s, its first flight occurred on 14 September 1977 and it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983. Powered by twin Lotarev D‑136 turboshaft engines, each delivering roughly 11,400 shaft‑horsepower, the Mi‑26 can lift up to 20 tonnes internally or 12 tonnes externally, surpassing the payload of most transport aircraft of its era. Its eight‑blade main rotor, 32‑metre diameter, and a robust airframe enable operations in extreme climates, from Siberian arctic cold to desert heat. The helicopter features a spacious cabin equipped with modular pallets, a rear loading ramp, and advanced avionics that have been upgraded through successive blocks, including glass‑cockpit displays and satellite navigation. Over 400 units have served in civil, military, and humanitarian roles, performing heavy‑equipment transport, disaster relief, and firefighting worldwide. The Mi‑26’s extraordinary lift capacity, reliability, and versatility have cemented its status as a cornerstone of heavy‑lift aviation, influencing subsequent designs and remaining a benchmark for large rotorcraft. Its operational record includes missions in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and numerous domestic emergencies in Russia, demonstrating its adaptability across diverse theaters.

Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant

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Design & Classification