Heavy Mi-26T2 helicopter from OJSC MVZ named after Mila ”was presented in 2010 at the HeliRussia exhibition. It is symbolic that the new machine took to the air for testing on the date of the 50th anniversary of the Mi-10 air crane, which took its rightful place not only in the domestic, but also in the world history of helicopter construction. The new aircraft is not just an improved modification of its predecessor, but a completely independent unit with a radical change in image. When creating the modification, the designers took into account all the latest achievements of science and technology, including the use of digital electronic equipment on board. The crew was reduced to 2 people.
History of creation
The development of the Mi-26T2 is aimed at increasing the air mobility of the ground forces of the Soviet Union. A group of designers led by Mil had extensive experience in heavy helicopter engineering, so the new machine was created in the shortest possible time. The new technology exceeded all domestic and most foreign counterparts.
An additional confirmation of the highly qualified engineers was the creation of a new Mi-26 configuration under the leadership of M. Tishchenko. The heavy transport helicopter set off on its first test flight on December 14, 1977, subsequently setting more than 10 world records. Until now, it has been used to solve a number of important tasks both in Russia and abroad.
Interesting Facts
Despite the fact that many years have passed since the creation of this technology, a real replacement for the Mi-26T2 still does not exist. It is considered the largest and most lifting helicopter among analogues produced in series.
A distinctive feature of the updated aircraft was the reduction of the crew to 2 people. In addition, avionics has undergone changes. The decision to reduce the number of pilots is designed to provide a completely different layout of the cockpit, as well as to use a set of on-board radio equipment that can safely and efficiently perform assigned tasks and various flight tasks.
Features
Mi-26T2 differs from other commercial helicopters in that it supports a certain route at low altitudes with the direct participation of the crew. Other civilian liners follow predominantly automatic piloting. Pilots take control into their own hands only when landing or taking off, as well as in the event of an emergency.
In this regard, the engineers of the Mil Moscow cost center had a serious task to create a unit for the interaction of crew and equipment, which would ensure flight safety in various conditions. It is worth noting that the designers decided this difficult rebus highly professionally. The updated machine was built in Rostov at the Rostvertol plant.
Equipment
The main direction of modernization of the Mi-26T2 was the increase in economic and technical parameters, as well as the expansion of industries and conditions of use of the helicopter. By and large, the flight equipment was supposed to be suitable for operation at any time of the day, with a reduced crew and modern avionics, which was developed on the basis of equipment avionics-26. This electronic complex was designed by specialists of the Ramensky Design Bureau.
Since the flight parameters of the helicopter fully comply with the requirements for vehicles of this category, the main modernization was aimed at the reconstruction of on-board electronic equipment. The BREO-26 system included the NPK-90-2 navigation system, which includes an electronic display unit, a control panel, computing equipment, a navigation satellite and a digital aerobatic control unit. Also, avionics introduced a round-the-clock surveillance optical-electronic system, a set of backup devices, a modern communication and control on-board unit.
The equipment can be additionally equipped with night vision goggles. As a result, avionics significantly increased reliability and safety in flight, improved directional stability and controllability, as well as optimized the accuracy of hovering, which is very important when working with external type of suspension.
Mi-26T2: technical specifications
Below are the main performance characteristics of the technology in question:
- The crew is 2 people.
- Take-off weight (normal / maximum) - 49.6 / 56.0 t.
- The speed indicator at normal take-off weight at an altitude of 0.5 km is 270/255 (maximum / cruising).
- Dynamic ceiling - 4.6 km.
- Flight range - 800 km (with additional tanks - 1905 km).
- Type of power plant - D-136.
- Power at takeoff 11400x2 (hp).
Application
The Mi-26T2 equipment, the photo of which is given above, with the avionics complex makes it possible to fly day and night, regardless of weather conditions. Another advantage of the machine is the reduction of time for the preparation of the flight plan, the reduction of the load on crew members due to the automatic control of the operating parameters of the on-board systems. Automation of all nodes and the availability of navigation aids made it possible to reduce the number of maintenance personnel to 2 pilots (if external suspension is used, another person is added to the crew). All innovative solutions reduce direct operating costs while improving machine utilization.
The Mi-26T2 helicopter, the characteristics of which are indicated above, is intended for transportation of bulky goods in a special cabin or on an external suspension. For military purposes, it can accommodate a detachment of 80 paratroopers, with the elimination of accidents or emergency situations - up to 60 victims. Using this aircraft, you can perform complex and time-consuming construction and installation operations. In addition, the helicopter is able to carry out prompt delivery of fuel and lubricants, producing autonomous refueling of various equipment. Also, the machine is focused on extinguishing large-scale fires, skidding of the forest and other transport tasks.
Reviews of military pilots about the Mi-26T2
According to experts, the upgraded heavy helicopter will be in demand not only in Russia but also abroad for many more years. This is due to the fact that the machine can effectively solve a wide range of tasks, not only peaceful but also military in nature. There are practically no analogues of Mi-26T2 all over the world, except for the American modifications CH-47D and CH-53E.
An unlimited amount of work for this helicopter is also visible in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The updated avionics kit has eliminated the shortcomings. Pilots note that now the device can work at any time of the day, almost regardless of weather conditions. All these factors suggest that the niche of the heaviest helicopters in the world market will surely be occupied precisely with the Mi-26T2 model.