Soviets’ Unusual Flyer: The Historical past Of The Crane Helicopter Mi-10

Utilizing a winch, the Mil Mi-10 might elevate 15 tons and journey at 120 mph totally loaded. Instantly after unveiling, the helicopter set the load-to-altitude world report at 33,000 kilos at 7,631 ft. Nevertheless it was distinctive in one other means as effectively.

The Mil Mi-10’s lengthy legs allowed a platform to be mounted on the wheelbase to carry massive cargo of as much as 12 tons. This allowed it to hold objects comparable to full-size autos and even pre-fabricated buildings into hard-to-reach areas. In what undoubtedly was a useful function, the helicopter might taxi over the goal and join the platform carrying the load by way of hydraulic fasteners to tackle a payload. And if what was being transported was a automotive, the platform did not must be eliminated upon touchdown because the automobile might simply drive off it.

In 1966, a modified model of the Mi-10, the Mi-10K debuted. This variant was designed for civil use, weighing much less and sporting shorter legs. Uniquely, on the backside of the craft was a glass cockpit the place a crane could possibly be operated. When working in development, this was helpful in selecting up heavy masses and precisely placing them down. The Mi-10K was used for numerous duties, comparable to putting in electrical line help and constructing skyscrapers in Moscow.

What might shock you is that 55 Mil-10s are nonetheless in service in Russia. This locations the “flying crane” among the many oldest navy helicopters in service right now.