Mi-26T2 (helicopter)

2023: In service with the army aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces

The army aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces received the world's heaviest production helicopter - the modernized Mi-26T2V. This was announced at the end of October 2023 by the head of the army aviation Igor Romanov.

The Army Aviation Fleet is updated annually by the receipt of new and modernized aviation equipment. And at the same time, it is important to maintain close interaction with organizations and industrial enterprises. High-quality support for the operation of new helicopters in military units and formations largely depends on this. This year we have already received and continue to receive Ka-52M, Mi-28NM, Mi-8AMTSh-V, Mi-8MTV-5M, as well as Mi-26T2V helicopters, - he said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.

Mi-26T2B

The chief of army aviation added that the industry supplies aircraft in accordance with the plans, no schedule disruptions arise.

The Mi-26T2V is a heavy wide-body transport helicopter equipped with an integrated complex of airborne electronic equipment NPK90-2V. This allows you to control the machine both during the day and at night, with automatic flight along a predetermined route. The crew includes five people.

The lifting capacity of the helicopter is 20 tons. The Mi-26T2V airborne defense system provides protection against air defense missile systems, TASS reports.

As noted by the editor of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, military expert Alexei Leonkov, the Mi-26T2V will find use in landing operations in the conflict zone in Ukraine. According to the specialist, the Russian transport helicopter will be able to safely work not only in the front-line zone, but also "behind the ribbon."

In this he will be helped by the Vitebsk defense complex, which has proven itself well on the battlefield. Previously, this complex was installed on combat helicopters, including the Ka-52 and Mi-8. The appearance of such a helicopter will give mobility not only to the Airborne Forces, but also to mechanized motorized rifle brigades, Leonkov added.[1]

2022: Start of deliveries of helicopters of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

The Russian Helicopters holding in December 2022 handed over to the Russian Emergencies Ministry the first modernized heavy helicopter Mi-26T2 with new airborne electronic equipment (avionics) and a "glass cockpit." Modern equipment and new electronics made it possible to reduce the number of crew and ensure the ability to fly at any time of the day, the manufacturer says.

The Mi-26T2 heavy class helicopter is an upgraded version of the Mi-26T. Thanks to modern avionics, the crew of the updated car has been reduced from five to three people.

Mi-26T2

Avionics includes a flight and navigation system, inertial navigation system, GLONASS navigation system. Onboard electronic equipment with a digital autopilot can not only guide the Mi-26T2 along the route, but also provide its automated approach with hanging at a given altitude.

"Glass cabin" is a system for indicating the main indicators of devices on electronic displays. The helicopter is also equipped with an early warning system for the proximity of the ground. At the same time, almost all systems are duplicated to ensure a greater level of security.

In one flight, the car is able to evacuate up to 82 people from the disaster site, and in the sanitary version - to transport up to 60 victims and three accompanying medical workers. Mi-26 helicopters are used to extinguish fires. In addition, a heavy rotorcraft allows you to transport 20 tons of cargo of any configuration.

The Mi-26T2 will be stationed at the Southern Aviation Rescue Center and provide security for the Southern and Central Federal Districts. But could be deployed to any region outside those counties if needed.

We will attract the aircraft both for the transfer of airmobile groups, the evacuation of victims, and for extinguishing natural fires, - said the head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry Alexander Kurenkov.[2]

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