Russia`s Ministry of Defense has agreed the number of Mil Mi-26T2V (NATO code: Halo) super-heavy transport helicopters to be acquired, a military source told TASS. "The MoD has shaped the acquisition of the Mi-26T2V rotorcraft. The contract is planned to be signed this year," said the source.

Mi-26T2 helicopter (Picture source Marina Lystseva /TASS)

The Mi-26T2V made its maiden flight in mid-August 2018 at the test-flight station of the Rostvertol plant (a subsidiary of the Russian Helicopters). The State Armament Program for 2018-2027 (GPV-2027) envisages the deliveries of the rotorcraft to the Russian military.

The Mi-26T2V has a payload capacity of 20 t. The latest Halo modification features an integral direct infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system and the NPK90-2V avionics suite that enables round-the-clock flights in automated mode. The helicopter`s cockpit is compatible with night vision goggles, while the troop compartment has been fitted with anti-blast seats.

It should be mentioned that the Mi-26T2V is primarily intended for Russia`s Aerospace Forces (Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye Sily, VKS)

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