Cargo helicopter. The largest helicopters in the world

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The largest cargo helicopter designed and constructed in the USSR. A more detailed description will be presented at the end of the review. The aircraft can vertically take off, land, hover in the air and move with a large load for decent distances. Below you can read about some of the largest helicopters in the world.

Rotorcraft Mi-10

This is a Soviet transport vehicle that was developed from 1961 to 1964. It belongs to the category of military transporters, designed on the earlier Mi-6 base. It was put into operation in 1963. The maximum load capacity of the machine is 15 tons. The empty weight is almost twice as high, the maximum speed is 235 kilometers per hour.

The critical take-off weight is 43.7 tons. Its second name is “Flying Crane”. On board, it accommodates twenty-eight passengers and is intended primarily for the transport of ballistic projectiles.

Sikorsky CH-53E

This modification is a heavy transport aircraft, which is considered the largest rotorcraft built in America. Its initial purpose is to perform special operations in the Marine Corps. However, later the Sikorsky CH-53E cargo helicopter began to be used in other areas. During the operation proved to be a reliable high-speed and spectacular machine.

The unit is in service with several countries, including Germany, USA, Mexico and Israel. In total, more than 520 machines of this series were produced. The maximum takeoff weight is 19 tons, the maximum speed is 315 kilometers per hour, the mass of an empty object is 10.7 tons.

Boeing MH-47E Chinook and Bell AH-1 Super Cobra

Model MH is one of the variations of the US military transport helicopter based on the CH-47C. It has been in operation since 1991. It weighs over 10 tons, has a top speed of over 310 km/h and is considered one of the fastest rotorcraft in the world. Continues to operate in some countries at the present time.

The Super Cobra is a type of twin-engine American combat helicopter based on the predecessor of the AH-1W series. The modification in question is the main strike force of the United States Marines. The speed threshold of the car is 350 kilometers per hour, and its weight is almost 5 tons when empty, and a third more when fully equipped.

Hughes cargo helicopterXH-17

This machine was built back in 1952. At that time, it was considered colossally heavy (19.7 tons). This flying crane was used to lift and transport super-heavy loads by means of an external suspension. The unit was produced in only one copy, its test flight took place in the city of Culver (California). The maximum speed is 145 kilometers per hour. Until now, this machine holds the record for the size of the main rotor, the diameter of which is 36.9 meters.

Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe

Heavy transport helicopter of this series is designed specifically for the US Army. He performed a number of operations during the Vietnam campaign. For all the time, 105 cars of this modification were produced. The unit holds the record for maximum height in horizontal movement (11 kilometers) and for the fastest climb up to three and nine kilometers. Its weight is 9 tons, the maximum speed is 240 km/h. The critical takeoff weight is 21 tons. Actively used by the armies of different states.

Mi-24

Russian cargo helicopters of this modification are designed to support ground forces with the ability to transport heavy loads. On board, he can take up to eight passengers, not counting a couple of pilots. The machine is considered the first in Europe and the second in the world, related to specialized combat rotorcraft. The Mi-24 helicopter is in service with almost thirty countries.

Their unofficial names ("Galya", "Crocodile", "Glass") apparatusreceived during the Afghan campaign. The last nickname was given to him thanks to the flat glass inserts that are equipped with the outer part of the cabin. The maximum flight weight is 11.1 tons, the speed threshold is 335 kilometers per hour. The mass of the empty unit is 7.5 tons.

Mi-6

This aircraft has more modest characteristics than the Mi-10, designed for use in civil and military purposes. A test flight of the helicopter took place in the summer of 1957. Until 1972, more than five hundred copies were produced. The maximum load capacity is 12 tons. For that time, it was considered one of the most enduring and fastest rotorcraft, with a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour. The maximum takeoff weight is 42.5 tons, and the empty weight is 27.2 tons.

B-12 (Mi-12)

Experimental twin-rotor helicopter is the largest machine among analogues in the world. It was assumed that it would transport cargo weighing at least 30 tons, including components for intercontinental strategic ballistic missiles. In total, two such machines were built, one of which lifted a load weighing 44.2 tons to a height of 2.2 thousand meters. The weight of the empty apparatus is 69 tons, the maximum takeoff weight is 105 tons, and the speed threshold is 260 km / h. One copy has now become a museum exhibit, and the second serves as an exhibition complex on the subject of the Air Force.

Record holder

The largest cargo helicopter put into serial production is the Mi-26. Consider its characteristics andfeatures in more detail. The machine was designed back in the seventies of the last century. The first flight was carried out in 1977. The main purpose of this device is the possibility of military use and use for civilian purposes.

Modern Mi-26s are designed primarily for the military industry, they can transport a huge number of passengers and heavy cargo. It should be noted that the flight range is relatively short. Without refueling and cargo with full fuel tanks, the helicopter can cover about eight hundred kilometers. Its dimensions testify to the impressiveness of this machine. The length of the aircraft is 40 meters, the diameter of the main propeller is 32 meters, and the width of the cargo compartment is 3.2 meters.

Features of the Mi-26

The cargo helicopter in question has a number of advantages and has several records set even before its serial production. In 1982, the machine was able to overpower a load weighing 25 tons, lifting it to a height of four kilometers. At the same time, the entire weight of the apparatus amounted to more than 56.5 tons. Nine world records were set by pilot Irina Kopets. In addition, the crew of the flying rotorcraft was able to overcome a 2,000-kilometer vicious circle while passing through a strong meteorological front at a cruising speed of about 280 km/h.

The Mi-26 helicopter is capable of transporting various military equipment, the weight of which does not exceed 20 tons. Cars are loaded under their own power through the rear hatch, which has a pair of swing-outsashes. In addition, the helicopter can accommodate more than 80 soldiers or 68 paratroopers. If necessary, the device is reconstructed for the transportation of the wounded with the possibility of placing a stretcher and three accompanying medical workers. The flight range can be increased by installing additional fuel tanks directly in the cargo compartment.

Mi-26 technical plan parameters

The following are the main technical characteristics of this helicopter:

• main/tail rotor size 32/7, 6 meters in diameter;
• the number of blades on the main propeller is eight pieces;
• car length - 40 meters;
• chassis (track/base) - 8, 95/5 meters;
• weight (minimum/maximum/recommended) - 28/49, 5/56 tons;
• carrying capacity indicator (in cab/on external suspension) – 20/20 t;
• length/width/height of the cargo compartment - 12/3, 2/3, 1 m;
• crew - two or six people (when controlling the external suspension);
• maximum passenger capacity is 80 people;
• power unit - a pair of turbine motors with a capacity of 11,400 horsepower each;
• speed (top/cruising) - 300/265 kilometers per hour;
• fuel consumption – 3.1 t/h;
• Cruising range at maximum load is 475 km.

The service ceiling of this helicopter varies within 4.6 kilometers with an average takeoff weight of 49.6 tons.

Equipment

Developing a military cargo helicopterMi-26, the designers took into account the shortcomings and problem areas of previous models. Mostly the changes affected the air intakes. In front of these elements, a dust protection was installed, making it possible to clean the flow by seventy percent. This solution made it possible to take off from dusty areas without reducing engine power.

In addition, repair sites have been transformed that do not require additional equipment when servicing the machine by mechanics. The convenience of loading and unloading operations is provided by a pair of winches with a lifting capacity of 5000 kilograms. It is also possible to adjust the loading ramp using a hydraulic drive, which can be controlled from the cockpit, cargo hold or from the outside of the helicopter. The developers have equipped the aircraft with a number of devices that facilitate loading from cars or directly from the ground.

The Mi-26 was equipped with the latest technologies and technical achievements. The helicopter is equipped with a meteorological radar that allows you to fly, regardless of weather conditions and time of day. This device is highly accurate, and setting it up takes a few minutes. Also in the cockpit there is a three-channel autopilot, an upgraded system for recording messages and flight data.

Result

The Mi-26 cargo helicopter is still being produced, and all thanks to its excellent performance and high level of safety. However, production volumes are quite modest, usually cars are made by special orders. The device is constantly being upgraded, equipped with modern devices and meets all international standards in its class.