Mil Mi-26

Following the incomplete development of the heavier Mil Mi-12 (prototypes known as Mil V-12) in the early 1970s, work began on a new heavy-lift helicopter, designated as the Izdeliye 90 ("Project 90"){{cite book|last=Gordon|first=Yefim|title=Mil's Heavylift Helicopters|year=2005|publisher=Midland Publishing|location=Hinkley|isbn=1-85780-206-3|pages=75–96|author2=Dmitry and Sergey Komissarov}} and later allocated designation Mi-26. The new design was required to have an empty weight less than half its maximum takeoff weight.{{cite book|title=The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft|year=1997|publisher=Barnes & Noble Books|isbn=0-7607-0592-5|page=640|editor=Donald, David}} The helicopter was designed by Marat Tishchenko, protégé of Mikhail Mil, founder of the OKB-329 design bureau.{{Cite journal |last=Croft |first=John |title=We Haul It All |journal=Air & Space |volume=21 |issue=2 |date=July 2006 |pages=28–33 |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/we-haul-it-all-10713658/ |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130005810/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/we-haul-it-all-10713658/ |archive-date= 30 November 2023 |url-status=live}}

File:Cockpit of Mil Mi-26.jpg

The Mi-26 was designed to replace earlier Mi-6 and Mi-12 heavy lift helicopters and act as a heavy-lift helicopter for military and civil use, having twice the cabin space and payload of the Mi-6, then the world's largest and fastest production helicopter. The primary purpose of the Mi-26 was to transport military equipment such as {{convert|13|t|adj=on|lb|}} amphibious armored personnel carriers and mobile ballistic missiles to remote locations after delivery by military transport aircraft such as the Antonov An-22 or Ilyushin Il-76.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The first Mi-26 flew on 14 December 1977Jackson 2003, p. 392. and the first production aircraft was rolled out on 4 October 1980. Development was completed in 1983 and by 1985, the Mi-26 was in Soviet military and commercial service.

File:CCCP-06141-Mi26-1348.jpg Mi-26 at the 1984 Farnborough Air Show]]

The Mi-26 was the first factory-equipped helicopter with a single, eight-blade main lift rotor. It is capable of flight in the event of power loss by one engine (depending on aircraft mission weight) because of an engine load sharing system. While its empty weight is only slightly higher than the Mi-6's, the Mi-26 has a payload of up to {{convert|20|t|lb}}. It is the second largest and heaviest helicopter ever constructed, after the experimental Mil V-12. The tail rotor has about the same diameter and thrust as the four-bladed main rotor fitted to the MD Helicopters MD 500.Watkinson, John. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Q27ho2szWCoC "Art of the Helicopter"] p171. Butterworth-Heinemann, 28 January 2004. {{ISBN|0750657154}}, 9780750657150. Retrieved: 5 August 2012.

The Mi-26's unique main gearbox is relatively light at {{convert|3639|kg|lb|abbr=on}}Lev I. Chaiko (1990) [https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19910005833.pdf Review of the Transmissions of the Soviet Helicopters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816163714/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19910005833.pdf |date=16 August 2017 }} pages 2, 3, 9. Glenn Research Center/NASA Technical Memorandum 10363 but can absorb {{convert|19725|shp|kW|order=flip|sigfig=3}}, which was accomplished using a non-planetary, split-torque design with quill shafts for torque equalization.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019|reason=removed citation to predatory publisher content}} The Mil Design Bureau designed the VR-26 transmission itself, due to Mil's normal gearbox supplier not being able to design such a gearbox.Smirnov, G. "Multiple-Power-Path Nonplanetary Main Gearbox of the Mi-26 Heavy-Lift Transport Helicopter", Vertiflite March/April 1990, pp. 20–23 The gearbox housing is stamped aluminum. A split-torque design is also used in the {{cvt|12500|lb|kg|order=flip|sigfig=3}} gearbox assembly on the American three-engine Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion.Parker, Andrew. "[http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/82119.html CH-53K King Stallion Inches Closer to Sunrise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923191313/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/topstories/82119.html |date=23 September 2015 }}" Aviation Today, 6 May 2014. Accessed: 7 May 2014.

{{as of|2024}}, the Mi-26 still holds the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale world record for the greatest mass lifted by a helicopter to {{convert|2000|metres|ft|0}} – {{convert|56768.8|kg|lb|sigfig=3}} on a flight in 1982."[https://www.fai.org/record/9936 FAI Record ID #9936 – Helicopters, Greatest mass carried to height of 2 000 m] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717163845/https://www.fai.org/record/9936 |date=17 July 2024 }}" Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Record date 3 February 1982. Accessed: 17 July 2024.

In July 2010 a proposed Russian-Chinese development of a 33-ton heavy-lift helicopter was announced.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} In early 2019, Russia's state corporation Rostec inked a landmark agreement on developing a 40-ton next-generation heavy helicopter.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Rostvertol, the Russian helicopter manufacturer, was contracted to refurbish and upgrade the entire fleet of Mi-26s serving in the Russian Air Force, estimated to be around 20 helicopters. The upgraded aircraft is comparable to a new variant, the Mi-26T. Contract completion was planned for 2015. The contract also covered the production of 22 new Mi-26T helicopters. Eight new-built helicopters were delivered to operational units by January 2012.{{cite journal |title=Russian Air Force takes delivery of two new Mi-26 Halos |journal=Air Forces Monthly |date=January 2012 |issue=286 |page=28}} Under the 2010 contract, 17 new-production helicopters were delivered by 2014.[http://en.take-off.ru/news/108-nov2012/919-mi-26t2-production-kicks-off "Mi-26T2 production kicks off"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217124916/http://en.take-off.ru/news/108-nov2012/919-mi-26t2-production-kicks-off |date=17 December 2014 }}. Take Off, 2014. In all, Rostvertol delivered fourteen Mi-26s to domestic and foreign customers in the period 2012{{nbh}}14 and six helicopters in 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2016/0704/101035831/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / Новости / «Роствертол» поставит более 120 вертолетов Ми-28 и Ми-35 в 2016–2018 гг.|website=armstrade.org|access-date=2016-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914193542/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2016/0704/101035831/detail.shtml|archive-date=14 September 2016|url-status=live}} Deliveries to the Russian Aerospace Forces were continued in 2016, 2017 and 2019.{{cite web|url=https://russiandefpolicy.blog/2017/07/24/this-weeks-mod-graphic-2/|title=This Week's MOD Graphic|publisher=Russian Defense Policy|date=24 July 2017|website=russiandefpolicy.blog|access-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308004253/https://russiandefpolicy.blog/2017/07/24/this-weeks-mod-graphic-2/|archive-date=8 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1017/123043652/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Завершена приемка транспортного вертолета Ми-26Т для авиасоединения ВВО в Хабаровском крае|website=armstrade.org|access-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112101621/http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1017/123043652/detail.shtml|archive-date=12 November 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/1025/160555031/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / Новости / На вооружение авиаполка ЗВО поступил тяжелый вертолет Ми-26Т|website=armstrade.org}}

In 2016, Russia started development of PD-12V a variant of the Aviadvigatel PD-14 turbofan engine to power the Mi-26.{{cite web|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-06-02/new-engines-russias-heavy-lift-helicopter|title=New Engines For Russia's Heavy-lift Helicopter|publisher=Aviation International News|access-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603122929/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-06-02/new-engines-russias-heavy-lift-helicopter|archive-date=3 June 2016|url-status=live}}

File:P1010525x.jpg

The developers of the Buran space vehicle programme considered using Mi-26 helicopters to "bundle" lift components for the Buran spacecraft, but test flights with a mock-up showed this to be risky and impractical.{{cite web|last=Dr. Fedotov|first=V.A.|title=BURAN Orbital Spaceship Airframe Creation|url=http://www.buran-energia.com/documentation/documentation-akc-air-transportation.php|publisher=Buran Energia|access-date=22 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126215801/http://www.buran-energia.com/documentation/documentation-akc-air-transportation.php|archive-date=26 November 2012|url-status=live}}

The Mi-26S was a disaster response version hastily developed during the containment efforts of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986.[https://web.archive.org/web/20071005133721/http://www.mi-helicopter.ru/eng/index.php?id=157] [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1996/1996%20-%201925.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104105258/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1996/1996%20-%201925.html|date=4 November 2012}} Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant Thirty Mi-26 were used for radiation measurements and precision drops of insulating material to cover the damaged No.{{nbsp}}4 reactor. It was also equipped with a deactivating liquid tank and underbelly spraying apparatus. The Mi-26S was operated in immediate proximity to the nuclear reactor, with a filter system and protective screens mounted in the cabin to protect the crew during delivery of construction materials to the most highly contaminated areas.{{cite web|last=Masharovsky|first=Maj.Gen. M.|title=Operation of Helicopters During the Chernobyl Accident|url=http://ftp.rta.nato.int/public//PubFullText/RTO/MP/RTO-MP-019///$MP-019-07.PDF|publisher=NATO|access-date=22 January 2013|date=October 1998|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810010432/http://ftp.rta.nato.int/public/PubFullText/RTO/MP/RTO-MP-019/$MP-019-07.PDF|archive-date=10 August 2013}}

In October 1999, an Mi-26 was used to transport a {{convert|25|ST|t|order=flip|adj=on|abbr=off}} block of frozen soil encasing a preserved, 23,000-year-old woolly mammoth (Jarkov Mammoth) from the Siberian tundra to a lab in Khatanga, Russia. Due to the weight of the load, the Mi-26 had to be returned to the factory afterward to check for airframe and rotor warping caused by the potential of structural over-stressing.

In early 2002, a civilian Mi-26 was leased to recover two U.S. Army MH-47E Chinook helicopters from a mountain in Afghanistan. While the second craft was too badly damaged to recover, the first was determined to be repairable and estimated to weigh {{convert|12|t|lb}} with fuel, rotors, and non-essential equipment removed. That weight exceeded the maximum payload of {{convert|9.1|t|lb}} at an altitude of {{convert|2600|m|ft}} of the U.S. military's Sikorsky CH-53E.

The Mi-26 was located through Skylink Aviation in Toronto, which had connections with a Russian company called Sportsflite that operated three civilian Mi-26 versions called "Heavycopters". One of the aircraft, aiding in construction and firefighting work in neighboring Tajikistan, was leased for $300,000; it lifted the Chinook, flew it to Kabul, then later to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan to ship to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, U.S. for repairs. Six months later, a second U.S. Army CH-47 that had made a hard landing {{convert|100|mi|order=flip}} north of Bagram at an altitude of {{convert|1200|m|ft}} was recovered by another Sportsflite-operated Mi-26 Heavycopter.

{{Main|2002 Khankala Mi-26 crash}}

File:MI-26 en Mexico.jpg, Mexico]]

On 19 August 2002, Chechen separatists hit an overloaded Mi-26 with a surface-to-air missile, causing it to crash-land in a minefield, killing 127 of the people on board{{snd}}the greatest loss of life in the history of helicopter aviation.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3669279.stm "Chechen gets life for air attack"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117054236/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3669279.stm |date=17 January 2006 }}. BBC news, 29 April 2004.

As a result of the magnitude 8.0 earthquake in Sichuan province of China on 12 May 2008, many rivers became blocked by landslides, resulting in the formation of so-called quake lakes: large amounts of water pooling up behind the landslide-formed dams. These dams eventually broke under the weight of the water,[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/28/content_8265651.htm Swollen lake tops China's quake relief agenda, draining, evacuation side by side] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611054058/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/28/content_8265651.htm |date=11 June 2008 }}. Xinhua, 2008-05-28. endangering those downstream. At least one Mi-26 belonging to a branch of China's civil aviation service was used to bring heavy earth moving tractors to the quake-lakes at Tangjiashan mountain, located in difficult terrain and accessible only by foot or air.[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/24/content_6709629.htm Copters take off to large Sichuan "quake lake"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530000218/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/24/content_6709629.htm |date=30 May 2008 }}. chinadaily.com.cn, 2008-05-24.

In July 2009, a Moldovan Mi-26 was shot down in Helmand province with the loss of six Ukrainian crew members. The aircraft, belonging to Pecotox Air, was said to be on a humanitarian mission under NATO contract.{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/six-ukrainians-die-in-afghan-chopper-crash-2848179 |title=Six Ukrainians die in Afghan chopper crash |date=15 July 2009 |agency=Reuters |work=Television New Zealand |access-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616135233/http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/six-ukrainians-die-in-afghan-chopper-crash-2848179 |archive-date=16 June 2011 |url-status=live }}

On 14 December 2010, an Indian Air Force Mi-26 crashed seconds after taking off from Jammu Airport, injuring all nine passengers. The aircraft fell from an altitude of about {{convert|50|ft|order=flip}}.{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IAF-chopper-crashes-in-Jammu-9-injured/articleshow/7102861.cms |title= IAF chopper crashes in Jammu, 9 injured |date= 15 December 2010 |access-date= 4 July 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121104125905/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-15/india/28248052_1_iaf-chopper-crashes-technical-snag-helicopter |archive-date= 4 November 2012 |url-status= live |work= The Times of India }} The Indian Institute of Flight Safety released an investigation report that stated improper fastening of the truck inside caused an imbalance of the helicopter and led to the crash. The Mi-26 had been carrying machines from Konkan Railway to Jammu–Baramulla line project.[http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/iaf-helicopter-crashes-in-jammu-all-safe-72487 "IAF helicopter crashes in Jammu, all safe"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104100612/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/iaf-helicopter-crashes-in-jammu-all-safe-72487 |date=4 January 2013 }}. NDTV, 14 December 2010. Retrieved: 23 July 2012.[https://archive.today/20120711085157/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=704985 "IAF Chopper Crashes, Leaves 9 Injured"]. Outlook India, 14 December 2010. Retrieved: 23 July 2012.

The Indian Air Force later retired its three remaining Mi-26s, as two needed a very expensive overhaul (quite frequent, as the machine is near the strength limits of the materials used), and there was little need for them, and decided to obtain Chinook helicopters from the US instead.[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/chinook-helicopter-iaf-air-force-chopper-india-feature-1485864-2019-03-25 "Indian Air Force inducts Chinook: 5 things to know about this game-changing helicopter"] {{cite web|url=https://www.boeing.co.in/products-and-services/defense-space-and-security/ch-47-chinook |date=25 March 2019 |title=CH-47F (I) Chinook }}. India Today, 25 March 2019. Retrieved: 24 January 2025.

On 11 December 2012, a Westland Sea King from No. 330 Squadron RNoAF experienced undisclosed technical issues and made an emergency landing on Mount Divgagáisá. The landing caused parts of the landing gear to break. The Sea King was prepared by removing rotor blades and fuel before it was airlifted to Banak Air Station by a Russian Mil Mi-26 on 23{{nbsp}}December 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/troms_og_finnmark/1.10850522|title=Gigahelikopter skal redde Sea King|author=NRK|work=NRK|date=21 December 2012|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230220331/http://nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/troms_og_finnmark/1.10850522|archive-date=30 December 2012|url-status=live}}

{{main|Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

During the 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive, Russian Mi-26s helicopters were involved in transfer of reinforcements on the frontline, namely in the vicinity of towns Izium and Kupiansk.{{cite web|url=https://military.pravda.ru/news/1746037-genshtab_vs_rf_vertopetami_perebrasyvaet_rezervy_pod_kharkov/|title=Генштаб ВС РФ перебрасывает резервы в Харьковскую область вертолётами Ми-26|website=military.pravda.ru|date=9 September 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2022/09/10/transportnye-vertolety-mi-26-perebrasyvaiut-bronetehniku-v-harkovskuiu-oblast.html|title=Транспортные вертолеты Ми-26 перебрасывают бронетехнику в Харьковскую область|website=rg.ru|date=10 September 2022}}

In September 2024, it was announced that the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran will bring this helicopter to Iran for two months in a memorandum of understanding with a Russian company, in order to purchase two Mi-26 after that if approved. Also, an understanding has been reached for the purchase of 20 new helicopters, which, if operational, will be delivered within 2 years. The Russian side has promised to equip the Red Crescent Society helicopters with night vision and new navigation.{{cite news

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File:Mil Mi-26TC.jpg]]

File:MAKS Airshow 2019 (2019-08-30) 192.jpg

;V-29: Prototype version{{citation needed|date=September 2010}}

;Mi-26: Military cargo/freight transport version. NATO name: 'Halo-A'.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

;Mi-26A: Upgraded military version with a new flight/navigation system. Flown in 1985 but no production.

;Mi-26M: Upgraded version of the Mi-26 with ZMKB Progress D-127 engines for better performance.{{cite magazine |magazine=Air Force Magazine |department=Gallery of Russian Aerospace Weapons |title=Mil Mi-26 (NATO 'Halo') |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ir83x1DXo8C&pg=RA1-PA65 |page=65 |publisher=Air Force Association |publication-date=March 1995 |given= John W. R. |surname=Taylor |year=1995 |volume=78 |number=3}}

;Mi-26S: Disaster response version developed in response to nuclear accident at Chernobyl.

;Mi-26T: Basic civil cargo/freight transport version. Production from 1985.

;Mi-26TS: Civil cargo transport version, also marketed as Mi-26TC.

;Mi-26TM: Flying crane version with under-nose gondola for pilot/crane operator.

;Mi-26TP: Firefighting version with internal {{convert|15000|L|USgal impgal}} fire retardant tank.

;Mi-26MS: Medical evacuation version of Mi-26T. Up to 60 stretcher cases in field ambulance role, or can be equipped for intensive care or as field hospital.

;Mi-26P: 63 seat passenger version.

;Mi-26PK: Flying crane derivative of Mi-26P.

;Mi-26T2: Improved version of the Mi-26T equipped with BREO-26 airborne electronic system, allowing it to fly any time, day or night, under good and bad weather conditions. Serial production began on 22 May 2015.{{cite web|url=http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/1988140|title=ТАСС: Армия и ОПК – "Вертолеты России" начали серийное производство тяжелого Ми-26Т2|work=ТАСС|access-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525045831/http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/1988140|archive-date=25 May 2015|url-status=live}}

;Mi-26T2V: Newest modernization variant intended for the Russian military, equipped with new NPK90-2V avionics suite allowing it to fly routes in automatic mode, airborne defense complex "Vitebsk", anti-blast seats and new navigation and satellite communication systems. The cockpit is fitted with multifunctional displays with provision for use of night-vision goggles during night ops. The Mi-26T2V made its maiden flight in August 2018.{{cite web|url=http://russianhelicopters.aero/ru/press/news/mi-26t2v_army_forum/|title="Вертолеты России" впервые представят на "Армии-2018" модернизированный Ми-26Т2В|website=russianhelicopters.aero|date=7 August 2018|access-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012331/http://russianhelicopters.aero/ru/press/news/mi-26t2v_army_forum/|archive-date=5 November 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/82570/army-2018-russian-helicopters-unveils-mi-26t2v|title=Army 2018: Russian Helicopters unveils Mi-26T2V|publisher=Jane's Information Group|date=24 August 2018|access-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012642/https://www.janes.com/article/82570/army-2018-russian-helicopters-unveils-mi-26t2v|archive-date=5 November 2018|url-status=live}} Deliveries are reportedly conducted as of 2023.{{cite web | title=ЦАМТО / / Армейская авиация в этом году отмечает юбилей – 75 лет со дня формирования первого вертолетного подразделения | website=ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием | date=2023-10-27 | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2023/1027/092576073/detail.shtml | language=ru | ref={{sfnref | ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием | 2023}} | access-date=2023-10-28}}

;Mi-27: Proposed airborne command post variant; two prototypes were built in 1988. This variant was built with foldable antennas for ground and air operations.{{cite web |title=Mil Mi-26 / Mi-27 |url=http://all-aero.com/index.php/35-helicopters/copters/6818-mil-mi-26--mi-27 |website=all-aero.com |access-date=11 May 2022}}

File:Rostvertol Mil Mi-26T2 Naumenko.jpg Mil Mi-26T2 flight demonstration]]

;{{ALG}}

• Algerian Air Force{{cite web|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|title= World Air Forces 2018|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2018|access-date= 15 September 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180206123925/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/|archive-date= 6 February 2018|url-status= live}}

;{{Flag|Cambodia}}

File:Cambodian Air Force Mil Mi-26T Nathalie.jpg]]

• Royal Cambodian Air Force{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getasset.aspx?ItemID=26061|title= World Air Forces 2008|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|date= 2013|access-date= 1 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185625/https://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getasset.aspx?ItemID=26061|archive-date= 11 October 2017|url-status= live}}
• Royal Cambodian Army

;{{Flag|China}}

• People's Liberation Army Ground ForceInternational Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2014, p.233

;{{Flaglist|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}

• Congolese Democratic Air Force

;{{Flag|Equatorial Guinea}}

• Equatorial Guinean Air Force

;{{Flag|Jordan}}

• Royal Jordanian Air Force{{cite web|last1=Najib|first1=Mohammed|title=Jordan receives first Mi-26T2|url=http://www.janes.com/article/77345/|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180126000139/http://www.janes.com/article/77345/jordan-receives-first-mi-26t2|archive-date=26 January 2018|location=Ramallah|date=25 January 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Largest airlift helicopter MI-26T2 joins RJAF|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/largest-airlift-helicopter-mi-26t2-joins-rjaf|website=The Jordan Times|access-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180126000147/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/largest-airlift-helicopter-mi-26t2-joins-rjaf|archive-date=26 January 2018|location=Amman|date=17 January 2018|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://arabic.china.org.cn/txt/2018-01/18/content_50238485.htm|title=الأردن يتسلم أضخم طائرة نقل عمودية من روسيا- arabic.china.org.cn|website=arabic.china.org.cn|access-date=2018-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118181921/http://arabic.china.org.cn/txt/2018-01/18/content_50238485.htm|archive-date=18 January 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/article/85429/jordan-receives-second-mi-26-heavy-lift-helo|title=Jordan receives second Mi-26 heavy-lift helo – Jane's 360|website=janes.com|access-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228164107/https://www.janes.com/article/85429/jordan-receives-second-mi-26-heavy-lift-helo|archive-date=28 December 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/january/5800-jordan-received-two-mi-26t2-helicopters-from-russia.html|title= Jordan received two Mi-26T2 helicopters from Russia}}

;{{Flag|Kazakhstan}}

• Kazakhstan Air Force

;{{Flag|Mexico}}

• Mexican Air Force{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/90190/world-air-forces-2011-2012.pdf|title= WORLD AIR FORCES 2011/12|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|date= 2013|access-date= 1 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130509191652/http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/90190/world-air-forces-2011-2012.pdf|archive-date= 9 May 2013|url-status= live}}

;{{Flag|North Korea}}

• North Korean Air Force

;{{Flag|Russia}}

File:Миль Ми-26-27 34001212603, Москва - Жуковский (Раменское) RP10149.jpg]]

• Russian Aerospace Forces
• Border Service of RussiaMladenov Air International May 2011, p. 112.

;{{Flag|Venezuela}}

• Venezuelan Army

;{{Flag|China}}

• China Flying Dragon Aviation{{cite news|url= http://fireaviation.com/tag/mi-26/|title= Massive helicopter used in wildfire on Russia/China border|newspaper= Fire Aviation|date= 6 May 2017|publisher= fireaviation.com|access-date= 31 July 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170731231943/http://fireaviation.com/tag/mi-26/|archive-date= 31 July 2017|url-status= live}}

;{{Flag|Russia}}

• UTair Aviation{{cite web |url=http://heli.utair.ru/en/aircrafts/24554.html |title=UT air Mil Mi-26 |publisher=heli.utair.ru |access-date=1 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219160937/http://heli.utair.ru/en/aircrafts/24554.html |archive-date=19 February 2013}}

;{{Flag|Belarus}}

• Belarusian Air Force[https://russianplanes.net/airline/Belarus_-_Air_Force "Belarus – Air Force and Air Defense Forces"]. russianplanes.net

;{{Flag|Belgium}}

• Skytech{{cite web|url= http://www.skytech-helicopters.eu/helicopters.htm|title= Skytech Fleet|publisher= skytech-helicopters.eu|access-date= 1 March 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141127193516/http://www.skytech-helicopters.eu/helicopters.htm|archive-date= 27 November 2014|url-status= live}}

;{{Flag|India}}

• Indian Air Force{{Cite web |title=World Air Forces 2020 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article |access-date=2020-02-29 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}

;{{Flag|Peru}}

• Peruvian Army{{cite web |title=Ejercito del Peru Mi-26 Halo |url=http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1417/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222223432/http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1417/ |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=1 March 2013}}

;{{Flag|USSR}}

• Aeroflot{{cite web |url= http://www.airliners.net/photo/Aeroflot/Mil-Mi-26/1482843/M/ |title= Aeroflot Mil-Mi-26 |publisher= Demand media |access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141203010318/http://www.airliners.net/photo/Aeroflot/Mil-Mi-26/1482843/M |archive-date= 3 December 2014 |url-status= live}}
• Soviet Air Force{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202535.html |title= World's Air Forces 1987 p. 85 |publisher= flightglobal.com|access-date= 1 March 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131102214837/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202535.html |archive-date= 2 November 2013 |url-status= live}}

;{{Flag|Ukraine}}

• Ukrainian Air Force{{Cite web |title=Aviation Photo #1528007: Mil Mi-26 - Ukraine - Air Force |url=https://www.airliners.net/photo/Ukraine-Air-Force/Mil-Mi-26/1528007 |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=Airliners.net}}

;{{KOR}}

• Samsung

File:Mil Mi-26 Line Drawing.svg

File:Mil Mi-26 Russian helicopter cargo compartment.jpg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003–2004Jackson 2003, pp. 393–394.

|prime units?=met

|crew=5 (2 pilots, 1 navigator, 1 flight engineer, 1 flight technician)

|capacity=

• 90 troops or 60 stretchers
• {{convert|20000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} cargo

|length m=40.025

|length note=

|height m=8.145

|height note=

|empty weight kg=28200

|empty weight note=

|gross weight kg=49600

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight kg=56000

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity={{convert|12000|L|usgal impgal||abbr=on}}

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=ZMKB Progress D-136

|eng1 type=turboshaft engines

|eng1 kw=8500

|eng1 note=

|rot number=1

|rot dia m=32

|rot area sqm=804.25

|rot area note=

• Blade section: root: TsAGI 12%; tip: TsAGI 9%{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}

|max speed kmh=295

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kmh=255

|cruise speed note=

|never exceed speed kmh=

|never exceed speed note=

|range km=500

|range note=with {{convert|7700|kg|lb|abbr=on}} cargo

|ferry range km=1920

|ferry range note=(with auxiliary tanks)

|endurance=

|ceiling m=4600

|ceiling note=

|climb rate ms=

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|disk loading kg/m2=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption kg/km=

|power/mass=

|more performance=

|avionics=

}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

|related=

|similar aircraft=

• Boeing CH-47 Chinook
• Mil Mi-6
• Mil V-12
• Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
• Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion

|lists=

}}

;Citations

{{Reflist}}

;Bibliography

{{Refbegin}}

• {{Cite journal |last=Croft |first=John |title=We Haul It All |journal=Air & Space |volume=21 |issue=2 |date=July 2006 |pages=28–33 |url=http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/milman.html |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225051846/http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/milman.html |archive-date=25 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite book|title=The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft|year=1997|publisher=Barnes & Noble Books|isbn=0-7607-0592-5|page=640|editor=Donald, David}}
• {{cite book|last=Gordon|first=Yefim|title=Mil's Heavylift Helicopters|year=2005|publisher=Midland Publishing|location=Hinkley|isbn=1-85780-206-3|pages=75–96|author2=Dmitry and Sergey Komissarov}}
• {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Paul |title=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004 |year=2003 |publisher= Jane's Information Group|location=Coulsdon, UK |isbn=0-7106-2537-5 }}
• {{cite magazine |last=Mladenov |first=Alexander | title= Fighting Terrorism & Enforcing the Law in Russia |magazine= Air International| date=May 2011 |volume=80 |issue=5 |pages = 108–114|issn=0306-5634}}

{{Refend}}

;Notes

{{notelist}}

{{Commons|Mil Mi-26}}

• [http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/en/helicopters/military/mi-26.html Mi-26 page on Russian Helicopters site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214034442/http://www.russianhelicopters.aero/en/helicopters/military/mi-26.html |date=14 December 2014 }}
• [https://milhelicopters.com/mi-26-modifications/ Mi-26 page on Mil helicopter site]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060514065019/http://www.aviation.ru/Mi/#26 Mi-26 page on Aviation.ru]
• [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mi-26.htm Mi-26 page on fas.org]
• [http://scalemodels.ru/modules/photo/viewcat_cid_230.html Mi-26 walkaround at Monino Museum, Russia], [http://scalemodels.ru/modules/photo/viewcat_cid_229.html Mi-26 walkaroundat VAZ Technical Museum, Russia], and [http://scalemodels.ru/modules/photo/viewcat_cid_304.html Mi-26 walkaround at Kolomna, Russia on scalemodels.ru]

{{Mil aircraft}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Aerial firefighting helicopters

Category:Military transport helicopters

Category:1970s Soviet military transport aircraft

Category:Mil aircraft

Category:1970s Soviet helicopters

Category:Twin-turbine helicopters

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1977

Category:Single-rotor helicopters

Category:Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear