India-Russia Mi-26 Helicopter Overhaul Deal Set To Enhance IAF's Heavy-Lift Capabilities

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of Mi-26 heavy lift helicopters, which have been grounded for several years, are now set to be overhauled following a contract signed with Russian Helicopters.

The work on the project is set to begin soon, and India will become the first country to simultaneously maintain an inventory of both Mi-26s and American Chinooks.

The initial plan was to overhaul three Mi-26s, which have significantly larger capabilities than the Chinooks, in Russia. However, the plan has now shifted to conducting these overhauls locally, with assistance from a Russian defence firm.

The complete repair and overhaul process will require 30 months from the date of commencement of the overhaul, The Print reported citing defence sources.

It is understood that the proposed refurbishment is set to prolong the lifespan of these helicopters by over ten years.

The rejuvenation of these helicopters, along with the Chinooks, will significantly enhance the air force's heavy-lift capabilities.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) introduced four Mi-26 helicopters into their fleet between the years 1986 and 1989. One of these helicopters met with a crash at the Jammu airport in 2010.

At present, the IAF has three Mi-26 helicopters, however, all of them are grounded.

Two of these helicopters were decommissioned in September 2013 and August 2014 respectively, while the third was taken out of operation in 2017.

The Chandigarh-based No.126 Helicopter Flight (Featherweights) squadron is equipped with the Mi-26 helicopters. The squadron also operates the Chinooks.

The Mi-26 helicopter, driven by dual turboshaft engines, has a weight of approximately 28,200 kg. Its maximum take-off weight is 56,000 kg, and it possesses the ability to airlift even a Chinook helicopter.

The Mi-26 helicopter, with its exceptional heavy-lift ability, was in service with the IAF for over thirty years.

The overhaul process will entail strengthening the airframe's integrity and addressing any fatigue issues if needed, especially in the load-bearing regions. This process will also include the replacement of any major components that have reached the end of their lifespan.

Additionally, the helicopter engines will undergo a complete overhaul for revitalization, replacing parts such as turbine blades or seals with new ones.

The avionics components will be examined for any necessary replacements, and indigenous systems will be incorporated.

"These helicopters are very capable in terms of both internal and external load carrying capability and thus serves a critical role in airlift of heavier and voluminous loads. The Mi-26 can airlift a maximum of 20 tonnes of load and around 8-10 tonnes at high-altitudes, depending on the prevailing conditions,” one of the sources was quoted as saying in The Print report.

The Mi-26 can accommodate up to 82 combat-ready soldiers and has a maximum capacity of 20 tonnes, whereas the Chinooks can hold 45 soldiers and have a capacity of 11 tonnes.

The air force requires load to be carried without dismantling it during critical missions.

The platform demonstrated its heavy-lift abilities when it was used to airlift irregularly shaped and heavy equipment for the Katra-Quazigund railway project. This was part of an initiative to expand rail connectivity in the Srinagar Valley around 2010.

Moreover, the helicopter was heavily used for airlifts during Operation Rahat in 2013.

One of the tasks it carried out was the airlift of 9,000 litres of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to the Pithoragarh Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) to ensure the continuation of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts.

An important HADR aspect of the Mi-26’s operational capability pertains to its ability in evacuating 60 casualties along with medical attendants.

“This could prove extremely useful in case of a mass casualty evacuation,” the source said.

The Mi-26 helicopter stands out due to its unparalleled ability to transport up to 20 tonnes of irregularly shaped cargo at sea level. This distinct feature allows it to carry the load both internally and externally, in an underslung mode.