largest helicopters in the world differ primarily in their weight rather than length, width or diameter of the screw.Judging by this criterion, the leadership position in this regard belongs to the domestic representative - MI-26.The machine is one of the few in the world that is able to lift heavy loads equal to its own.Model is commercially available and now, despite the fact that the development of the giant carried out even in the mid-seventies of the last century.The biggest helicopter in the world is commonly used in the medical and military-transport and civil-transport purposes.For all the time it was built more than three hundred units of this model, which is now used in many countries in all corners of the planet.
History
need to develop a new model has been dictated by the needs of not only the Soviet army, but also the national economy.The government has put forward the developers claim that the new product should have the ability to transport cargo weighing up to 20 tons at a distance of 500 km, and perform other tasks at the distance up to 1000 km.This model was replaced by the largest helicopter in the world at that time, which was the MI6.The model was adopted by the State Commission in 1975.Two years later, in the air rose the first instance of the model where he spent about three minutes.Originally built a military modification, and a few years later started well and the creation of civilian versions.
Power
The largest Mi-26 installed power plant, which consists of two turbocharged engines D-136.The total of its capacity - 22 000 hp.The motors have been designed and developed specifically for this model Zaporozhye enterprise "Motor Sich".The engines are so powerful that they are able, together with a 40-ton machine (including 12 tons of fuel) and even to lift a weight of 20 tons and carry it to a distance up to 2350 km.Fuel consumption of the power plant is a little over 3 tons of fuel per hour, while the price of one hour flight personnel is estimated at 600,000 rubles.The biggest helicopter in the world has a cargo compartment length of 12 m and a width of just over 3 meters. Its useful area enables virtually any transport military equipment, loading that occurs through the rear hatch on their own.The machine can simultaneously carry 68 paratroopers or 82 soldiers and special equipment allows you to quickly convert it into a medical helicopter that can accommodate up to 60 stretcher cases and three medical workers.
Civil modification
Civilian version of the model is called Mi-26T.Its production started in early 1985.In contrast to its military version, the car navigation system is changed, and there are no installations for the position of small arms.In addition, the civil biggest helicopter in the world has got external suspension system, the main function of which is the possibility of transporting a standard size shipping containers without the involvement of riggers.In addition modification also has an automatic grip makes it easy to move large-diameter pipes, as well as to transport the wood produced in the highlands.
