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Mi-26 HALO - Variants

The Soviet-Russian heavy transport helicopter Mi-26 (NATO designation: Halo) remains world's largest and most powerful helicopter to ever go into serial production. The aircraft has both civilian and military modifications. From 1980 to mid-2015, there were 316 machines produced.

The specialists of MVZ im. M.L.Milya under the general management of design project leader A.G.Samusenko developed projects of re-equipment of the Mi-26 as an anti-mine trawler, flying hospital, passenger helicopter- salon, fire-prevention helicopter with the water-jet gun and the rods of water intake, helicopter of ecological reconnaissance, and also project of more load-lifting modification Mi-26M, equipped with glass-plastic blades, new engines D -127 and more advanced flight complex. In the 1980s the OKB studied the possibility of designing on the base of dynamic system Mi-26 of heavy lift helicopter Mi-26K with those changes, by analogy with the helicopter Sikorsky S-64, the fuselage and the chassis. However, the economic difficulties of the following decade prevented the practical embodiment of these concepts. Among the unaccomplished proposals on the modernization Mi-26 it is necessary to mention the project "of the doubling" of power plants according to transverse diagram for an increase in the load capacity, which was being examined since 1972 as one of the versions of program Mi-12M. The work on it was ended at the end of the 1970's in connection with the beginning of the design of giant Mi-32.

• Mi-26 (Izdelie 90): Basic military transport. Detailed description applies to basic Mi-26, except where indicated.
• Mi-26T. Basic civil transport (Izdelie 209), generally as military Mi-26. It provides accommodation for 70 passengers. Production began in 1985. In 1983, on the base of military transport model, the Mi-26T civil modification was created with the absence of armoring, landing and other military equipment, characterized by additional radio communications, navigation and special civil equipment. This substantially extended the content of the equipment, intended increase the effectiveness of the use of a helicopter with the work with the load on external suspension. Mi-26T can be equipped with tube seizure for the work with the pipes of large diameter and load-gripper for the transport of wood, and also system of precise hovering and with colored tele-installation. Variants include Geological Survey Mi-26 towing seismic gear, with tractive force of 10,000 kg (22,045 lb) or more, at 97 to 108 kt (180 to 200 km/h; 112 to 124 mph) at 55 to 100 m (180 to 330 ft) for up to 3 hours. Since January 1985, Mi-26T has been in series construction by joint stock company Rostvertol.
  The mockup of an Mi-26 two-crew flight deck was shown al the 1997 Moscow Air Show and was again displayed at Farnborough 2002, when Rostvertol said the decision to install new avionics on the helicopter was dependent upon outcome of discussions undertaken at Farnborough; if go-ahead is given, new designation Mi-26T2 will apply. New avionics suite will include PNK-26M flight-navigation system, incorporating five colour MFDs, two data input panels and a digital computer, plus GPS receiver and digital map and weather radar; increased automation will eliminate need for navigator/communications operator and flight engineer, although loadmaster will be retained.
• Mi-26 ? - The military version of the Mi-26T would be adapted for night operations, using OVN-1 Skosok NVGs and GOES-321 gyrostabilised observation turret, containing a FLIR sensor and a laser range-finder. No designation had been announced for military versions as of 2016.
• Mi-26TS. (sertifitsyrovannyi: certified): Mi-26T (Izdelie 219), but prepared for certification and marketed (in West as Mi-26TC) from 1996. Preproduction version, with gondola (port, front), positioned a 16,000 kg (35,275 lb) TV tower, 30 m (98 ft) long, in Rostov-on-Don in 1996. One delivered to Samsung Aerospace Industries in South Korea on 13 September 1997, supplied with Twin Bambi Bucket fire-suppressant system and fulfils dual transport/ firefighting roles. In 1995 the Mi-26T was certified by the Aviation Register in accordance with the domestic standards of airworthiness, harmonized with the American standards of airworthiness FAR-29. This version is subject of upgrade proposal involving installation of new avionics suite and other improvements that will reduce crew numbers from five to three and offer benefits in area of operational effectiveness; if implemented, was expected to result in improved helicopter becoming available in about 2006.
• Mi-26MS: Medical evacuation version of Mi-26T, typically with intensive care section for four casualties and two medics, surgical section for one casualty and three medics, pre-operating section for two casualties and two medics, ambulance section for five stretcher patients, three seated casualties and two attendants; laboratory; and amenities section with lavatory, washing facilities, food storage and recreation unit. Civil version in use by MChS Rossii (Ministry of Emergency Situations). Alternative medical versions available, with modular box-laboratories or fully equipped medical centres that can be inserted into the hold for anything from ambulance to field hospital use. As field ambulance can accommodate up to 60 stretcher patients; or seven patients in intensive care, 32 patients on stretchers and seven attendants; or 47 patients and eight attendants in other configurations, which can include 12 bunks in four tiers forward, or patent Rostvertol box laboratory behind the first row of bunks, with 16 bunks behind. The box includes an operating table, diagnostic equipment, anaesthetic and breathing equipment and other systems. Another configuration includes a larger theatre box by Heinkel Medizin Systeme and 12 stretchers behind, and the helicopter can be fitted with an X-ray laboratory or form the central element of a deployable air-portable field hospital.
• Mi-26A. Created in 1985. modification with the new flight complex NPK-26-1, which made it possible to transport technology, loads and personnel in the simple and adverse weather conditions in the daytime and at night. Modified military Mi-26, tested in 1985, with PNK-90 integrated flight/nav systems for automatic approach and descent to critical decision point, and other tasks. Not adopted.
• Mi-26S version for disaster relief tasks, equipped with deactivating liquid tank and underbelly spraying apparatus, used in the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. This hastily developed version for disaster relief tasks followed the explosion at Chernobyl nuclear facility; equipped with deactivating liquid tank and underbelly spraying apparatus. Helicopter, additionally equipped during overcoming of the consequences of emergency on Chernobyl' AES in 1986 by spraying system and by reservoir for the decontaminating liquid.
• Mi-26PP. Modification of the helicopter of electronic warfare, created by Rostov branch MVZ im. M.L.Milya in 1986 for the suppression of the early warning systems and guidance. First noted 1986; current status unknown.
• Mi-26L235. Flying laboratory for conducting of geological survey works is created by the MVZ in 1987.
• Mi-26TZ. Modification of tanker, created on the Rostov branch in 1988. for the supply of fuel of aircraft, helicopters and ground-based technology. Mi-26TZ is a fuel tanker that can carry 14 000 l of T2, TS1 or R2 aviation fuel or DL, DZ or DA diesel oil fuel and 1,040 litres lubricants (in 52 jerry cans), dispensed through four 60m hoses for aircraft, or 10 20m hoses for ground vehicles.
  The series version of this machine rose into air on February 1, 1996. In the cargo compartment is established the set of fueling equipment for modular construction, which consists of: two carts with the fuel tanks, the pumping units and the control panels; carts with four distributing sleeves for the aviation, ten times for the diesel fuel and by the counters of pumping. The volume of transportable fuel is 14000 liters, lubricants - 1040 liters, the time of development and coagulation - from 10 to 25 min. Mi-26TZ: Fuel tanker fuel and lubricants are pumped through 4x 60-meter long refueling nozzles for refueling aircraft, and 10x 20-meter long hoses for refueling ground vehicles. Fuel transfer rate is 300 liters/minute for aviation fuel, and 75-150 liters/minute for diesel fuel. The refueling system can easily be removed to allow the aircraft to perform transport missions. Conversion to/from Mi-26T takes 1 hour 25 minutes for each operation.
• Mi-26NEF-M. ASW version with search radar in undernose faired radome, extra cabin heat exchangers and towed MAD housing mounted on ramp. In 1990 one Mi-26 was re-equipped by Rostov branch MVZ im. M.L.Milya into the long-range antisubmarine helicopter for the transportation during the external suspension of the hydroacoustic station of search and detection of submarines.
• Mi-26P Halo is a transport version that can accommodate sixty-three passengers four abreast in airline-type center aisle seating. Amenities for the transport include a galley and a restroom aft of flight deck.
• Mi-26P. Boundary modification for the flights in the high latitudes, built in 1992. and characterizing by special communication equipment.
• Mi-26TM. Flying crane, with gondola for pilot/sling supervisor under fuselage aft of nosewheels or under rear-loading ramp. In 1992. the specialists of joint stock company Rrostvertol together with the designers of joint stock company Rostov-mils (former Rostov branch MVZ im. M.L.Milya) proposed assembly version Mi-26[T], equipped with the additional easily removable cab of pilot-operator. Cab is arranged from below the center fuselage, or instead of those dismantled of rear ladder and loading doors.
• Mi-26PK. Flying crane (kran) derivative of Mi-26P with operator's gondola on fuselage side, next to cabin door on port side. Joint stock company MVZ im. M.L.Milya developed in 1997 this crane-assembly modification Mi-26PK. The additional easily removable cab of pilot-operator is arranged on it from the side on the spot the left front door. Cab is equipped with the mechanical system for control. Pilot-operator can be arranged in it as along the flight, so against the flight.
• Mi-26TP. Firefighting (pozharnyi) version with internal tanks able to dispense up to 15,000 litres (3,962 US gallons; 3,300 Imp gallons) fire retardant from one or two vents, or 17,260 litres (4,560 US gallons; 3,796 Imp gallons) of water from an underslung VSU-15 bucket, or from two linked EP-8000 containers.The firefighting version appeared in 1994, with internal tanks able to dispense up to 15,000 litres fire retardant from one or two vents, or 17,260 litres of water from an underslung VSU-15 bucket, or from two linked EP-8000 containers. Can fill tanks on the ground using pumps with 3,000 litres/min throughput. Unique load capacity Mi-26 predetermined the exceptional attractiveness of this rotary-wing work horse for the re-equipment into the carrier of the means of extinguishing and localization of extensive fires, specials-technician landing. By the specialists of joint stock company Rostvertol together with Mmilevskimi designers is created in recent years a number of fire-prevention helicopters Mi-26 of different modifications, including the apparatus, transmitted in 1999. Prototype RA-06183 operated by Rostvertol. One delivered to Moscow Fire Brigade on 19 August 1999. To administration of the fire protection [GUVD] of Moscow. It is equipped with the spillway device VSU-15, which is soft special capacity by capacity 15 tons, transported by helicopter during the external suspension.
• Mi-26M is the latest and most powerful variant. Upgrade under development with all-GFRP main rotor blades of new aerodynamic configuration, new ZMKB Progress D-127 turboshafts (each 10,700kW), and modified integrated flight/nav system with EFIS. All M-version Halos are equipped with two ZMKB Progress D-127 turboshaft engines. These engines each produce approximately 14 000 shaft horsepower. Transmission rating unchanged, but full payload capability maintained under 'hot and high' conditions, OEI safety improved, hovering and service ceilings increased, and greater maximum payload (22,000 kg) for crane operations. The additional power increases the maximum payload to 24 970 kg. The additional power provided by these engines also allows maximum payload-carrying ability at high altitude and in warm weather, conditions that are generally detrimental to any helicopter's performance;
• Mi-26T2: The world’s most powerful heavy transport helicopter, the Mi-26T2, is now officially on the production line, Russian Helicopters Corp announced 22 May 2015. “We announce the start-up of production of the modernized heavy helicopter Mi-26T2 serial production. Helicopters of Mi-26 family have unequalled characteristics, and their modernization considerably expands the potential of this aircraft,” said Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Shibitov. Creating heavy duty helicopters is a particularly challenging task for aircraft designers, but Russia has “colossal and unique experience” in this field, Shibitov said.
  
• Mi-26T2V - heavy wide-body transport helicopter with a carrying capacity of 20 tons. The machine is equipped with a modern integrated airborne electronic equipment complex NPK90-2V, which allows you to fly it day and night with automatic flight en route, exit at a predetermined point and landing approach, and so on. The Mi-26T2V airborne defense complex provides protection against air defense missile systems. The crew of the upgraded helicopter consists of five people. "Russian Helicopters" plan to transfer the Mi-26T2V to state tests in the second quarter of 2019. The Russian Defense Ministry will buy 10 of the world's most heavy-lifting Mi-26 helicopters, but in a new look, said Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko 07 March 209. "Today we have reached an agreement that we will conclude a contract for the first batch - 10 Mi-26T2V helicopters," he told reporters.
• Mi-27 - The 1990 edition of US Department of Defense's Soviet Military Power stated "New variants of `Halo' are likely in the early 1990s to begin to replace `Hooks' specialised for command support." Two prototypes were reported to have been built, with designation Mi-27. These have new antennas along lower `corner' of fuselage, blade and box-type and with long folded masts which are horizontal in flight, vertical when deployed on ground. Prototype wears Aeroflot color scheme. In 1999 for creation by one of the modifications Mi-26 the colleagues of joint stock company MVZ im. M.L.Milya A.G.Samusenko and V.S.Ryabinin were honored the State Prize RF.
  The cargo compartment is divided by transverse bulkheads at the salon operational group (OG), technical and consumer compartments. In the cabin exhaust placed 6 jobs in the next compartment is a group of technical means and organization of communication, in the same place, if necessary, you can arrange additional destinations. The technical compartment was radio communication equipment. Appliances included water supply system, a snack bar, a compartment for two people and rest WC. Two serial helicopters were converted, which were tested in Leningrad and Evpatoria . One of these machines was at the Kharkov Institute of the Air Force , which was used as a visual aid and then was disposed of.