Mi-26T/T2 Halo
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.
The military Mi-26 and its civilian variant, the Mi-26T have been produced by Rostvertol, a Russian Helicopters-owned plant in Rostov-on-Don, since 1980. Developed by the Mil Moscow Design Bureau during the late Soviet period, the Mi-26T was known worldwide for setting cargo transport records, capable of carrying a cargo of up to 20 tons inside its cabin or on an external sling, or up to 90 personnel. With a cruising speed of 255 km/h, the helicopter has a maximum speed of 295 km/h, and a range of 1,920 km.
The Mi-26T2 is an upgraded version of the helicopter Mi-26T, fitted with a new BREO-26 avionics suite and glass cockpit with five multifunctional LCD displays, new digital autopilot, and NAVSTAR/GLONASS supported navigation system. The Mi-26T2’s array of on-board equipment ensures the helicopter can operate in any part of the world, and ensures it can perform flights to international standards. The latest avionics suite fitted also makes it possible to reduce the number of crew needed from 5 to 2 people, plus an operator should the external sling be in use.
Mi-26T2 has a maximum takeoff mass of 56 tons and 800 kilometer one-filling fuel capacity; its top speed is 295 km/h, while its fuel-efficient version has a top speed of 255 km/h. The Mi-26T2 has improved avionics and modern navigation controls with five displays. This has allowed the designers to reduce the crew from five to three pilots, though just two are enough to operate the machine itself.
The Mi-26T2’s payload capability is 20 tons, whereas its nearest rival, the American Sikorsky CH-53E, has an external load capability of 16 tons. It was rumored that further Mi-26T2 modernization might increase helicopter’s payload capability to 25 tons. The Mi-26’s maximum takeoff weight is 56 metric tons (123,457 pounds); the maximum payload is 20 tons (44,091 pounds). It can carry 82 armed soldiers or up to 60 wounded. Approximately 330 Mi-26s have been manufactured so far, including about 40 for export customers.
The latest deliveries to the Russian armed forces comprised 17 Mi-26T versions between 2011 and 2014. China received three Mi-26Ts in 2007-10 and ordered one more for delivery in 2015. Neither country was yet a confirmed customer for the T2 version as of 2015.
The modernization of the MI-26T2 design was carried out through the late 2000s. The first prototype was delivered by Rostvertol in December 2010, after which the design underwent extensive flight testing. The helicopter passed all basic tests in 2010-11. The Mi-26T2 was first presented to the public at the MAKS-2011 air show. In early 2015, two Mi-26T2 helicopters were assembled for export and after tests would be delivered to Algeria.
Rostvertol, part of the Russian Helicopters holding company, confirmed that Mil Mi-26T2 super-heavy helicopters have been sold to Algeria. Two have already been delivered, and four more will follow by early next year. The initial contract for six was agreed in June 2013,and has been followed by a second, for eight more. Both contracts provide for the training of Algerian pilots and maintainers.
The Algerian order enabled Rostvertol to make the Mi-26T2 a new production standard. It features a state-of-the-art BREO-26 cockpit package from Russian avionics group KRET allowing for night operations, with a glass cockpit of five LCDs, digital data processing, satellite-aided navigation, secure datalink and built-in health-monitoring system. The number of aircrew is reduced from four to two (from five to three when using the rotorcraft’s sling).
The new design by the Russian helicopter design and manufacturing giant is equipped with the latest avionics systems, whose new communications, navigation and systems management will allow for operation with less crew members (from 5 down to 2-3), and for dramatically improved nighttime operation. Moreover, the new design is said to improve on its predecessor's already impressive capabilities in difficult weather conditions and mountainous terrain. Like the Mi-26T, the Mi-26T2 can operate for long periods between maintenance.
Speaking on the occasion of the rollout of the modernized design, Russian Helicopters CEO Andrei Shibitov stated that "Mi-26 helicopters are unparalleled in terms of their flight capabilities, and this modernization significantly expands their potential operational use. I am confident that the Mi-26T2 will see demand, both in Russia and internationally."
The Mi-26T2 features a so-called glass cockpit, which includes five multifunction LCD displays, new control consoles, and upgraded digital communications systems. Onboard video displays offer a clear picture of any cargo which may be attached to the helicopter's external sling during the daytime.
The aircraft's flight control automation system is said to significantly ease the crew's role. The helicopter features new safety features, including early ground proximity warning systems, in-flight situation, obstacle and collision warning systems, and airspace monitoring of a radius of between 9 and 11 km around the helicopter. For crew comfort, the new helicopter also features air conditioning and heating systems both in the crew and cargo cabins.
In addition to its transport role, the Mi-26T2 can be equipped for a number of other duties, including fire-fighting, autonomous ground-based refueling, and construction and assembly-related work.
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