Flight Testing To Continue Through 2020

Russian Helicopters holding company, a part of Rostec State Corporation, and representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense have started joint state tests of Mi-26T2V heavy-lift military transport helicopter which are expected to last until the end of 2020.

As part of Russian Helicopters' program on upgrading the heavy Mi-26 helicopter for the Russian Aerospace Forces, in 2018 Rostvertol produced a prototype of the modernized Mi-26T2V helicopter. "Currently, the Mi-26T2V prototype has successfully completed preliminary tests at the manufacturing facility, allowing us to start the joint state tests program which is to last through the entire year," said Andrey Boginsky, Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company. "We have taken into account all preferences of the customer and implemented them in Mi-26T2V helicopter design. The performance of the machine will be considerably improved due to the modernization. I am convinced that Mi-26T2V helicopter will have a rightful place in the Russian armed forces."

The tests will take place on four proving grounds. The crew of the helicopter will include representatives of the Russian Aerospace Forces and will check the main performance characteristics of the helicopter and operation of new equipment.

The modernized Mi-26T2V helicopter is designed with modern avionics for day and night operations. It is a heavy-lift military and transport helicopter which can carry up to 20 metric tons of cargo. The aircraft's NPK90-2V integrated avionics enable the helicopter to fly routes in an automatic mode, come to a preset point, perform approach and final approach maneuvers, and return to the main or alternate airport. The onboard defense system of Mi-26T2V ensures protection of the helicopter from being hit by air defense missile systems.

Russian Helicopters says the Mi-26T2V will be able to make flights in the conditions of any region, including those with complex physical and geographical and adverse climatic conditions. The number of crew members of the modernized helicopter remained unchanged at five persons.

Currently, Russian Helicopters holding company produces the entire range of military helicopters for the Russian military agency in accordance with contracts. These machines are necessary for performing the tasks of the Russian armed forces: Ka-52 Alligator, Mi-28NM Night Hunter and military Mi-35M attack helicopters, Mi-38T paratrooper carriers and transport helicopters, Mi-8/17 military transport helicopters, heavy-lift military transport Mi-26 rotorcraft, training and specialized machines.

(Image provided with Russian Helicopters news release)

FMI: russianhelicopters.aero:81/en/