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 Two brand-new Mil Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters made this year under a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry departed the airfield of Rostvertol JSC on 25 October 2011. These are the first machines of the type fielded with the Russian Air Force recently, with the previous Mi-26 having been shipped to the customer over a decade ago. Having been given side numbers 05 and 06 and RusAF’s new gray paintjob, the machines will be operated in the Eastern Military District.
According to the Russian media, the Defence Ministry and the Russian Helicopters holding company have made a long-term deal for 15 Mi-26 heavylifters. This spring, Rostvertol was assembling the first four machines under the contract. The lead helicopter was rolled out and started its tests in May.
The brand-new Mi-26s differ from those previously supplied to RusAF in slightly upgraded avionics. Further down the line, combat units are to start taking deliveries of a new version based on the Mi-26T2 heavily upgraded helicopter now under trials. The advanced version will feature a cutting-edge flight navigation system allowing a reduction in crew members, a glass cockpit, round-the clock operation equipment, modified engines and a number of other improvements. The Mi-26T2 is taking part in the tender issued by the Indian Air Force for 15 heavy-lift helicopters. |
