Military Helicopters
Mil Mi-26 “Halo”
ICAO: MI26
Overview
The Mil Mi-24 and its export variants Mi-25 and Mi-35 are twin-engine attack helicopters developed in the Soviet Union. Designed to combine gunship firepower with limited troop transport capability, they became iconic Cold War combat aircraft. The type has served in numerous conflicts worldwide.
Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 2 × Isotov TV3-117
- Engine type
- Turbine
- Thrust
- 2 × 2,200 lbf · 10 kN
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 11
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 4 ft 9 in · 1.46 m
- Cabin height
- 3 ft 11 in · 1.20 m
- Cabin length
- 9 ft 2 in · 2.80 m
- Exterior length
- 57 ft 5 in · 17.50 m
- Tail height
- —
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 56 ft 9 in · 17.30 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 26,500 lb · 12,000 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 7,700 lb · 3,500 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 560 gal · 2,100 L · 1,700 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 159 kt · 183 mph · 294 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 243 nm · 280 mi · 450 km
- Fuel burn
- 0.49 nm/gal · 0.24 km/L
- Ceiling
- 14,750 ft · 4,500 m
- Rate of climb
- 2,460 ft/min · 12 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
Gallery
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Operational Context
Mil Mi-24 / Mi-25 / Mi-35 — armed assault helicopter
The Mi-24 first flew in 1969 and entered service in the early 1970s. Unlike many Western attack helicopters, it was designed with a cabin capable of carrying up to eight troops in addition to its weapons load. This hybrid concept allowed it to deliver both fire support and assault capability.
Powered by two Klimov TV3-117 turboshaft engines producing approximately 2,200 shaft horsepower each, the helicopter cruises at around 160 knots (295 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 26,000 pounds (11,800 kg). It carries a mix of cannon armament, rockets, and guided missiles depending on variant.
The Mi-24 gained combat experience in Afghanistan and many regional conflicts. Later Mi-35 variants incorporated upgraded avionics and night capability. The aircraft remains in service with numerous countries, reflecting its rugged design and enduring combat role.