Soviet era Mi-10 Flying Crane celebrate 50th Anniversary

Image Credit:Rostec This month, Rostvertol, a Russian Helicopters subsidiary celebrates the 50th anniversary of Soviet Mi-10 military t...

Image Credit:Rostec

This month, Rostvertol, a Russian Helicopters subsidiary celebrates the 50th anniversary of Soviet Mi-10 military transport helicopter's maiden flight.
Called the 'Flying Cranes', Mi-10 were used by Soviet Union for cargo transportation, drilling rigs installation in oil and gas rich areas of East Siberia and the Far North, complex installation operations on industrial construction and reconstruction projects.
The helicopter crane was designed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in 1959, and made first flight in June 1960.

After completing testing in 1964, serial production began at the Rostov-on-Don plant, with first serial-produced Mi-10 making flight in September 1964.

Photo: RIA "Novosti"/Michael Kukhtarev

The design was based on the Mi-6 transport helicopter – using its control and transmission systems, and engine.

Mi-10 is distinguished by its slim fuselage and original tall four-wheeled chassis that enable it to cope with large loads up to 3.5 metres high or to carry them on a platform under the fuselage. The cargo platform was later fixed to the chassis with hydraulic claws.

The five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor allow it to carry a payload of 25 tons.

Several modifications of the Mi-10 were produced: the Mi-10GR ELINT helicopter, the Mi-10UPL universal field laboratory transporter, and the Mi-10P helicopter designed to provide airborne electronic counter-measures and targeting support during combat. The first two remained prototypes, but the third saw greater demand: Mi-10P helicopters served in the Soviet Army's regiments.
The Mi-10K was another, 'short-legged', version of the Mi-10. It went into serial production at the plant in March 1974. The helicopter is designed for special construction and transportation work. It had a low, four-legged, chassis and rear-facing pilot cabin under the fuselage nose boasting mechanical control and new radio equipment.

Rostvertol produced a total of 24 Mi-10 and 21 Mi-10K helicopters.

Rostvertol currently mass-produces the Mi-28 Night Hunter (Mi-28NE in its export version); the new Mi-35M combat support helicopter; and the multi-role transport Mi-26T, the world’s heaviest-lift helicopter.