Aircraft
MAKS 2011: Upgraded Mi-26 Shown As Russia Contemplates Successor with China
The Mil Mi-26T2 upgrade made its debut
The upgraded Mi-26T2 was displayed at the recent Moscow Air Show  (Photo: Vladimir Karnazov)
The upgraded Mi-26T2 was displayed at the recent Moscow Air Show (Photo: Vladimir Karnazov)

The Mil Mi-26T2 upgrade made its debut at the Moscow Air Show (MAKS 2011), demonstrating its higher power-weight ratio and better handing characteristics in the flight display.

This version of the heavy-lift helicopter is competing against the Boeing Chinook for an order from India, which already operates four Mi-26s. Meanwhile, a source at Russian Helicopters told AIN that China has agreed to the joint development of a next generation heavy-lift helicopter.