Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

Russia Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters

system according to the British, “Flight International” May 12, 2009 reported that the European Defence Agency (EDA), said France and Germany is about to adopt a resolution to purchase heavy-lift helicopters, they need to take-off weight of more than 13 tons can be transporting more than 70 soldiers, helicopter flight over 1,000 km. Germany and France needs a maximum takeoff weight of 32-35 tons of aircraft. Paris and Berlin have reached a consensus decision on the EDA and other European countries under the framework of an open opportunity to compete, or even consider non-partner countries. The EU said it will make the project more commercial value than the potential volume of 60 aircraft is expected to double, reaching 120 or more.

Russian Miri Design Bureau based on the existing Mi-26T based on the three models. These models, or has been or deep or shallow modern variant, or a new payload of 20 tons with the main objective of the design model. Last November, Miri Design Bureau in the Istres air base near Marseille, the French army displayed their Mi-26 helicopters. Although the show was considered a success, but chief designer Alexei Samusenko said, the model must be a large-scale transformation of the avionics system in order to reduce the crew from five to three, to meet the unexpected task execution requirements. However, the number of problems and the crew does not directly lead to this transaction can not be reached, because the Mi-26 stand-alone price of about $ 10 million, which is the other half or a third candidate. The Mi-26T for upgrade and development costs may also be shared Russia, Miri Design Bureau has proposed that South Africa’s advanced engine technology and a commitment to upgrade the center for export contracts.

other heavy transport helicopters options include Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook helicopter, the Sikorsky CH-53K and another new design. (China Aviation Industry Development Research Center Li Hao)