The Mi-26T2 is a modernisation of the Mi-26T heavy-lift transport helicopter designed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a division of Russian Helicopters.
The modernised helicopter is designed to transport heavy cargo and equipment. It can be used to quickly transport up to 82 troops and their equipment, as well as a wide range of heavy-weight combat vehicles.
Preliminary flight tests were carried out in 2014 and serial production of the Mi-26T2 helicopter began in May 2015.
Rostvertol, which is part of Russian Helicopters, built the helicopter at its Rostov-on-Don factory.
Avionics for the Mi-26T2 helicopter were developed by OJSC Ramenskoe Instrument Design Bureau (RKPB), a subsidiary of KRET.
The ambulance / emergency response variant of the Mi-26T2 helicopter can carry up to 60 wounded people. It can be configured to perform various other operations, including fire-fighting, fuel delivery, construction and installation works.
The helicopter can also provide self-contained refuelling to ground-based vehicles.
Mi-26T2 demonstration and orders
The Changhe Z-8 (Zhishengji-8) is a triple engine, multi-role helicopter designed and manufactured by the Changhe Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) of China. It is derived from SA 321 Super Frelon Helicopter built by Aerospatiale.
The helicopter was exhibited at the International Aviation and Space show MAKS 2011, HeliRussia 2011, and Dubai Airshow 2013. It entered the first stage of flight trials in 2011. It was demonstrated to the Algerian Armed Force in July 2012 and offered for the Indian Air Force in November 2012.
Russian Helicopters received an order to deliver six Mi-26T2s for the Algerian Air Force under a $2.7bn contract in March 2014. The first helicopter performed its maiden flight in December 2014.
Algeria ordered a second batch of eight Mi-26T2 helicopters in August 2015.
King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau placed an order with Russian Helicopters to deliver four Mi-26T2s for the Royal Jordanian Air Force, in April 2016. The first helicopter was delivered in January 2018.
Mi-26T2 transport helicopter design and features
The Mi-26T2 heavy-lift transport helicopter features new digital avionics suite and an upgraded engine. It is capable of executing missions during both day and night under all weather conditions.
Attached to the helicopter is double-wheeled landing gear in a tricycle arrangement. Its main rotor system consists of eight blades, while the tail rotor system consists of five blades.
The base variant is 12.1m long, 3.29m wide and 3.17m high. The helicopter has a cargo lifting capacity of 20t and accommodates the maximum weight of the cargo inside the cargo cabin or from an external sling, which is operated by a flight engineer.
Two members of crew operate the helicopter. A door on each side of the cabin facilitates easy entry and exit for the crew. It is fitted with a new air conditioning and cargo compartment heating systems.
Mi-26T2 cockpit
The Mi-26T2 heavy-lift transport helicopter features a glass cockpit fitted with an electronic display system of five liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), control panels, airborne computer, as well as standard and infrared (IR) lighting equipment.
Additionally, a Tranzas TSL-1600 light can be installed to visually control external loads in night conditions. The cockpit can be optionally fitted with night vision goggles (NVG) based on the customer requirements.
Avionics suite onboard the Mi-26T2
The Mi-26T2 features a BREO-26 digital avionics suite to improve stability and control in all flight modes over unfamiliar terrains. The onboard avionics include NPK 90-2 flight and navigation system along with NAVSTAR / GLONASS, modern communications system, airborne flight recorder system, backup device system, and an on-board control system.
A round-the-clock gyro stabilised optoelectronic system is also fitted to provide increased surveillance capabilities.
Mi-26T2 engine
The Mi-26T2 heavy-lift transport helicopter is powered by two modernised, electronically controlled D-136-2 turbo-shaft gas turbine engines designed by Ivchenko-Progress and produced by Motor Sich.
The engine is equipped with full authority automatic control system of FADEC controls and generates 12,500hp of emergency power, while the maximum power rating is 11,650hp. Its engine delivers improved performance, even in hot climatic conditions.
The helicopter has an operating range of approximately 800km and a maximum range 1,905km when fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks.
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