ROSTOV ON DON, October 14 (Itar-Tass) - A Mi-26TS helicopter has taken off from the testing airfield of the Rostvertol helicopter manufacturing plant, heading for China.
An official in the press service of the enterprise told Itar-Tass on Thursday that the helicopter, which is notable for the world's highest carrying capacity, was purchased by the Chinese Lectern Aviation Supplies Company, which signed a respective contract with Rostvertol in March this year. At the customer's request, the contract has been filled three months earlier than planned.
This is already a third Mi-26TS helicopter, sold by the Russian company to the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Chinese side is planning to acquire yet another helicopter of this class, the Rostvertol official said.
The merits of Russian heavy-duty helicopters were appreciated in China at the time of devastating earthquake in May 2008. Due to the Mi-26TS capabilities, Chinese engineers and rescuers managed to avert a dam burst that would have been fraught with ruinous consequences. These air vehicles were also used in China to fight forest fires, and during rescue operations at one of coalmines in a difficult-of-access area.
Eduard Miroshnichenko, Rostvertol marketing director for export-oriented output, pointed out, "The delivery of the third Mi-26TS helicopter to the PRC is an indisputable confirmation of the attractiveness of this unique air vehicle to the market of China and a reaffirmation of the striving of Chinese helicopter operating companies to enlarge the fleet of heavy helicopters, the relevance and operating efficiency of which have been proved repeatedly".
The Mi-26T is a custombuilt helicopter capable of transporting up to 20 tonnes of payload as internal or external store. The use of a broad spectrum of additional equipment makes it possible quickly to convert the basic model into firefighting, refueling, ambulance or troop-carrying versions. The latter ensures the transportation of 60 stretcher patients accompanied by three medical workers or the delivery of 82 paratroopers (rescuers) with standard armament to a designated area. In case of emergency, the helicopter can take up to 200 people on board.
The Mi-26T successfully operate in India, Greece, and Venezuela. They are often leased by foreign countries and international organizations for use in various operations and humanitarian missions.
Mi-26T helicopters were used in Canada in the conduct of prospecting and drilling operations at oilfields, in Portugal, France, and Greece in operations to combat forest fires, and in African countries in peacekeeping operations under UN aegis.
