The Mi-26T2V helicopter has reached production and combat use
Experienced Mi-26T2V, 2018
Russian aviation industry and the aerospace forces have completed a testing program for the promising heavy transport helicopter Mi-26T2V. It recently became known that this machine is now mass-produced and supplied to army aviation units. In addition, the operation of such equipment has begun, and helicopters are already being involved in solving problems in the Special Operation zone.
Latest news
The Mi-26T2V helicopter made its first flight in August 2018 and since then has undergone the necessary tests, incl. in the conditions of combat units of army aviation. At the same time, details of the tests and trial operation were not published, although it was reported that the helicopter would reach series production in the coming years.
On October 27, on the eve of Army Aviation Day, the Ministry of Defense newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda published an interview with the head of this branch of troops, Major General Igor Romanov. The Army Aviation Commander noted the high importance of transport and transport-combat helicopters. In particular, according to him, it is difficult to overestimate the capabilities of the heavy Mi-26.
The interview touched on the topic of updating the park. I. Romanov said that army aviation receives helicopters of different types. The aviation industry delivers on time and as planned. The general named the models of the supplied equipment, and for the first time in this context mentioned the modernized Mi-26T2V helicopter.
Operating experience
On November 7, new information on the supply and operation of the Mi-26T2V was published by Izvestia. This information was obtained from unnamed sources in the military-industrial complex and confirmed by sources in the Ministry of Defense. As it turned out, the Mi-26 of the latest modification has been present in the troops for quite a long time, solving real problems and helping to gain the necessary experience.
The leadership of the Ministry of Defense gets acquainted with the new helicopter, Army-2019 forum
According to Izvestia, the Mi-26T2V is not only undergoing trial operation among the troops, but is also being used in the Special Operations area. The latest modification of the equipment, like older versions of the Mi-26, is used to transport people and cargo in the rear.
In addition, several cases of the use of such equipment in close proximity to the contact line have been reported. Thus, last fall, Mi-26T2Vs provided delivery and landing of tactical troops in the area of the settlement. Kupyansk and Balakleya. Also, heavy helicopters quickly transferred the equipment needed in certain areas. Unfortunately, all the details of such an application are not given.
It is noted that in these operations the heavy transport helicopter was forced to enter the range of enemy anti-aircraft missile systems. Apparently, the enemy air defense tried to work on heavy helicopters, but could not succeed. The Mi-26T2V, like other modern vehicles for army aviation, receives an on-board defense system - it thwarted all attacks.
Trial operation in combat units and combat work in the Special Operation zone allowed the Ministry of Defense to draw conclusions and determine the future of the Mi-26T2V helicopter. It was decided to adopt it and order mass production. The chief of army aviation recently spoke about the first results of the latter.
New modernization
The original Mi-26 helicopter was developed in the mid-seventies and made its first flight in December 1977. Subsequently, it was repeatedly modified and modernized in order to improve performance and gain new capabilities. At the same time, the modernization potential of the design has not yet been exhausted and ensures the emergence of new modifications.
At the turn of the 26s, a major modernization project was developed under the designation Mi-2T2011. It provided for the replacement of the bulk of radio-electronic equipment, restructuring of the cabin equipment, etc. The first flight of such a helicopter took place in XNUMX.
Subsequently, on its basis, they began to develop a modification of the Mi-26T2V, intended for the armed forces and having a number of features. The Aerospace Forces demanded that the helicopter’s instrumentation be improved, as well as equip it with various types of additional equipment. The development of such a project took several years, and in August 2018 the first flight of an experimental helicopter took place. By the end of next year it was brought to the state testing stage.
As follows from the latter News, to date, the Mi-26T2V has passed a full cycle of factory and state tests. It also underwent experimental military operation. All these measures were considered successful, as a result of which the helicopter received a recommendation for production and adoption.
In March 2019, it became known that the first order had been placed for serial production of the Mi-26T2V for the Russian Aerospace Forces. The document provided for the supply of 10 units. technology. According to the latest reports, this order is already being fulfilled, and the army aviation has received the first helicopters. According to various sources, its fleet includes about 30-33 Mi-26 helicopters, and the receipt of new machines will allow it to increase quantitative and qualitative indicators.
Update Methods
The Mi-26T2/T2V projects provide for the preservation or minor modification of a number of main units and systems. The helicopter's airframe, power plant, support system and a number of other mechanisms remain virtually unchanged. At the same time, the complex of navigation equipment, cabin equipment, etc. are radically updated. Thanks to this approach, it was possible to preserve all key technical characteristics and expand operational capabilities.
Transport Mi-26T2, which became the basis for the army "T2B"
The Mi-26T2/T2V is equipped with an integrated avionics system of the NPK90-2V type. It fully provides flights and problem solving in different conditions and at any time of the day. For this purpose, new satellite navigation systems, communication means, etc. are used. The cabin equipment has been updated - basic information is displayed on large LCD displays. Despite a certain reduction in load, the crew of the Mi-26T2V helicopter, as on previous modifications, includes five people.
Taking into account current threats, the Mi-26T2V received the Vitebsk airborne defense system. It includes a set of sensors to detect the launch of anti-aircraft missiles and optical-electronic means for suppressing infrared guidance heads. At the same time, traditional blocks of false thermal targets are also preserved.
The operational capabilities of the modernized helicopter generally remained at the level of previous modifications. The large cargo compartment with loading through the rear ramp has been retained. The helicopter's carrying capacity is 20 tons inside the cabin or on an external sling. It is possible to accommodate various types of cargo or 60-70 passengers.
In practice, the Mi-26T2V can transport a variety of cargo. First of all, the possibility of transporting equipment, including armored combat vehicles, is of interest. The helicopter can take on board one armored personnel carrier or airborne combat vehicle, deliver them to a given point and unload them by landing. It is possible to transport lighter equipment, towed weapons, etc.
in the hard class
The Russian Aerospace Forces Army Aviation has a large fleet of transport helicopters, equipped with machines of different classes and types. It covers all the needs of the armed forces for transport capable of operating from small platforms. The most complex tasks of this kind are designed to be solved by Mi-26 helicopters - they can deliver up to 20 tons of one or another cargo to a given point.
The industry regularly develops various projects for the modernization of transport helicopters, due to which they maintain the required characteristics and improve their capabilities. The Mi-26 is no exception, and another result of such gradual improvement has already reached the troops. Moreover, the new Mi-26T2V even managed to prove itself in difficult combat conditions. The production of such equipment will continue and will give obvious positive results.
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