Russia and China join hands to produce the world's most powerful helicopter

Russian media reported on April 7 that Russia and China are about to sign an agreement to jointly produce a new version of the heavy-lift helicopter upgraded from the Mi-26 model developed by Moscow.

"The new helicopter will be even better than the Mi-26. With the efforts of Chinese and Russian designers, the world's most powerful helicopter will be created," said Russian honorary pilot Valentin Padalka. "China boasts advanced technology while we have rich experience in helicopter production. This combination will certainly create a perfect helicopter."

The Mi-26 is a heavy transport helicopter produced by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The helicopter is 40m long, 8m high, and is equipped with two 8-bladed engines, giving it the ability to transport 90 soldiers or 20 tons of cargo. Russian media said the Mi-26 is the largest and heaviest mass-produced helicopter in the world.

According to Padalka, the new helicopter will weigh up to 40 tons and will be equipped with a radio control system to improve automation and reduce the workload of the crew. The first new generation helicopter is expected to be delivered in 2030.

News of the new helicopter project comes amid US intelligence concerns that increasingly close cooperation between Russia and China is threatening Washington’s security. A US Commerce Department report said bilateral trade between Moscow and Beijing hit a record $107 billion in January.