Jordan Shows its Russian-Made Mil Mi-26T2 Helicopter at SOFEX

AMMAN (Jordan), May 9, 2018, Author: Galina Zdravkova (Bm), Photo: RJAF

Jordan is showing its Russian-made heavy transport helicopter Mil Mi-26T2 (NATO reporting name: Halo) at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX) from 8th to 10th May 2018 with Conference Day on 7th May, reported Defense News.

The country has ordered four aircrafts of the kind for the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF).

The Mil Mi-26T2 helicopter is stated to be the largest in the world. It is manufactured by the Russian company Rostvertol based in Rostov-on-Don (Russia). It has the capacity of carrying 20 tons in the hull and 20 tons sling-loaded beneath. Its maximum take-off weight is 56 tons. It reaches the maximum speed of 295 km/h.

The first Mil Mi-26T2 helicopter was delivered to Jordan this year in January and now it is being exhibited at SOFEX. The Mil Mi-26T2 is designed to be operated by just two pilots and its two pilots have already attended and passed a training course of 8 months (from September 2017 to April 2018). However, additional crew members would be needed if loads are slung under the aircraft.

The exhibited helicopter is intended for fire fighting missions. It can carry 15 tons of water.

Other countries, where the Mi-26 is used for military purposes are Algeria, Belarus, Cambodia, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, India, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, North Korea, Peru, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela.