Russian Helicopters delivers fourth Mi-26 to China

The heavy-lift helicopter will be operated in the interests of Shandong forestry management (Photo by Eric Romanenko / Russian Helicopters)

Russian Helicopters delivered to China one more Mil Mi-26TC heavy helicopter produced by the Rostvertol plant in Rostov-on-Don. The delivery is part of a contract signed by Russian Helicopters and a helicopter dealer from Hong Kong, Lectern Aviation Supplies, in 2014.

The rotorcraft will be operated in the interests of the forestry management of Shandong province. It is expected to start flying in July on fire-fighting missions and cargo and equipment transportation.

This helicopter is the last out of the two Mi-26TCs ordered by Lectern Aviation Supplies. The first one, in a fire-fighting configuration, was delivered to Harbin-based China Flying Dragon General Aviation, which operates in the interests of China’s forestry service. Two more helicopters of the type are registered in the fleet of QingDao Helicopter.

Mi-26 is the world’s largest serial built helicopter, champion in heavy-lifting, capable of transporting a weight of up to 20 tons inside the cabin or on its external sling.