Breaking news
Algeria's first Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter started flight tests.
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World
Aviation Defense & Security News - Algeria |
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| Algeria's first Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter started flight tests | |||
The
first Mil Mi-26T2 heavy lift helicopter for the Algerian military is being
flight tested in Russia, reported yesterday defenceWeb. It is the first
of up to six believed to have been ordered by the North African country.
The helicopter was seen performing its maiden flight from Rostvertol’s
factory in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on December 25. It appears to be the
first of an initial three, with another three planned to be acquired in
a second batch. |
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First Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter dedicated to the Algerian military
performing flight tests |
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Russian Helicopters
previously flew an Mi-26T to Algeria where it was demonstrated to the
Algerian Air Force. The helicopter’s modernized version is fitted
with a new BREO-26 avionics suite and glass cockpit with five multifunctional
LCD displays, new digital autopilot, and NAVSTAR/GLONASS supported navigation
system.
The helicopter Mi-26T2 can transport various cargos up to 20 tons and carry 82 paratroops. The latest avionics suite fitted also makes it possible to reduce the number of crew members from 5 to 2 people, plus an operator should the external sling be in use. The helicopters form part of a $2.7 billion weapons contract with Russia, announced in February 2014. The contract includes 42 Mi-28N Night Hunter attack helicopters and modernisation of 39 of the Algerian Air Force’s Mi-171Sh (Mi-8AMTSh) helicopters. They will be modified at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant and will receive upgraded armament. Algeria has long
expressed interest in acquiring new Russian helicopters, contemplating
an order for 42 Mi-28s as early as mid-2010. In 2011 Rostvertol (a division
of Russian Helicopters) said a commercial proposal had been sent to
Algeria and that the company had hoped to sign a contract for delivery
in 2012-2017. |
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