Aviation

World’s Top 5 largest helicopters ever built

The most crucial vehicles for any action, whether it is for defense or civilian objectives, are helicopters. It can be used in a variety of ways. Some helicopters are so large that they can do any large duty for lifting hefty payloads with ease.

10 fastest Military helicopters in the world ..!!(Opens in a new browser tab)

The majority of the time, helicopters are utilized in defense to transport additional cargo underneath the aircraft. We will look at a few of the five helicopters in this video, which are renowned for their size and carrying capacity.

Germany chooses Chinook for future heavy lift competition(Opens in a new browser tab)

1.Mil Mi-26: The Mil Mi-26, also known by its NATO reporting name “Halo,” is a legendary heavy-lift helicopter that holds the distinction of being the largest and most powerful production helicopter in the world. Developed by the Soviet Union’s Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, the Mi-26 was designed to meet the demands of transporting heavy and oversized cargo.

Maximum Takeoff Weight: Around 123,000 kilograms (approximately 271,200 pounds)
Payload Capacity: Up to 20 metric tons (44,000 pounds) internally or externally
Rotor System: Eight-bladed main rotor
Length: About 33.7 meters (110 feet 7 inches)
Rotor Diameter: About 32 meters (105 feet)

2.Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion:

The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is an advanced and formidable heavy-lift helicopter developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. As the latest iteration in the long-standing CH-53 series, the CH-53K is designed to meet the evolving demands of modern military and humanitarian operations
Maximum Takeoff Weight: Approximately 42,000 kilograms (92,594 pounds)
Payload Capacity: Up to 16.3 metric tons (36,000 pounds) internally or externally
Rotor System: Seven-bladed main rotor
Length: About 30 meters (98 feet 9 inches)
Rotor Diameter: About 26.8 meters (88 feet)

3.Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion:

The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a powerful and versatile heavy-lift helicopter that has served as a vital asset in various military operations, particularly in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, the CH-53E Super Stallion is an enhanced version of the earlier CH-53 Sea Stallion and has been a workhorse for transporting heavy equipment and personnel.
Maximum Takeoff Weight: Approximately 33,000 kilograms (72,750 pounds)
Payload Capacity: Up to 14 metric tons (31,000 pounds) internally or externally
Rotor System: Seven-bladed main rotor
Length: About 30.2 meters (99 feet)
Rotor Diameter: About 24.1 meters (79 feet)

4.Mil Mi-10 (V-10)

The Mil Mi-10 (NATO reporting name “Harke”) is a unique and distinctive heavy-lift helicopter developed by the Soviet Union’s Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. It was designed to tackle the challenging task of transporting oversized and heavy cargo, making it an essential asset in various industries and operations.

Maximum Takeoff Weight: Around 43,000 kilograms (approximately 94,798 pounds)
Payload Capacity: Up to 11 metric tons (24,250 pounds) internally or externally
Rotor System: Four-bladed main rotor
Length: About 33.3 meters (109 feet)
Rotor Diameter: About 37 meters (121 feet)

5. Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane

The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane is a unique and versatile heavy-lift helicopter that has earned a reputation for its remarkable lifting capabilities and adaptability to a wide range of tasks. Originally designed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, the Skycrane has been utilized for various purposes, including firefighting, construction, logging, and disaster relief. Here’s an overview of the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane:

Design and Features:

Dual Rotor System: The Skycrane features a twin-rotor system, with two main rotors mounted on pylons above the cockpit. This design provides exceptional lift and stability, allowing the helicopter to carry heavy loads.

Service Ceiling: Approximately 3,962 meters (13,000 feet)
Rate of Climb: Approximately 1,475 feet per minute

Weights:

Empty Weight: Approximately 10,433 kilograms (23,000 pounds)

Maximum Takeoff Power: Approximately 4,050 horsepower each

Cargo Lift Capacity:

External Payload: Up to approximately 9,072 kilograms (20,000 pounds) or more, depending on configuration

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.