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Mil Mi-26 Heavy-Lift Transport Helicopter Family

The Mil Mi-26 is a twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter developed in the Soviet Union to move outsized cargo, vehicles, personnel, and relief equipment. First flown in 1977, it became the largest helicopter placed into series production and can carry loads internally or on an external sling. Military and civil variants have supported transport, firefighting, evacuation, construction, disaster-response, and recovery work across demanding regions worldwide.

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Identity

Aliases
Mi-26Mi-26 HaloMil Mi-26 HaloMi-26TMi-26T2
Family Name
Mil Mi-26
Full Name
Mil Mi-26 Heavy-Lift Transport Helicopter Family
Roles
cargoutilitymilitaryfirefightingsearch_and_rescueair_ambulance
Status
active
Type
aircraft

Details

Aircraft Specs
Configuration
rotorcraft
Operating Modes
land
Takeoff Landing Capabilities
vtol
Description
The Mil Mi-26 is a twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter developed in the Soviet Union to move outsized cargo, vehicles, personnel, and relief equipment. First flown in 1977, it became the largest helicopter placed into series production and can carry loads internally or on an external sling. Military and civil variants have supported transport, firefighting, evacuation, construction, disaster-response, and recovery work across demanding regions worldwide.
First Flight Year
1,977
Manufacturer
Propulsion Configurations
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    Name
    Mi-26T2 D-136 installation
    Notes
    Russian Helicopters identifies two D-136 turboshaft engines for the Mi-26T2. Placement is intentionally omitted because the cited installation sources establish the powerplant and count but not a canonical placement value.

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Creation Time
July 29, 2026 at 21:39:39 UTC
Updated Time
July 30, 2026 at 20:16:34 UTC