The upgraded heavy Mi-26T2V helicopter developed for the Russian aerospace forces has made its maiden flight, the press service of Russian Helicopters Co. said on Sunday.

“The modernized Mi-26T2V helicopter developed for the Russian aerospace forces performed a maiden flight at a flight test centre of Russian Helicopters’ Rosvertol company,” the press service said.

The helicopter will be fitted out with modern NPK90-2 integrated onboard radio-electronic equipment and also with an onboard defensive aids system to protect the helicopter against missiles of various homing types. Mi-26T2V is meant for airlifting equipment, large size cargoes and para-troopers.

The Mi-26T2V will be able to perform missions even in regions with complex physical and geographic features and unfavourable climatic conditions day and night over featureless terrain amid enemy counter-fire and information counter-measures.

The upgraded Mi-26T2V helicopter’s lifting capacity will remain as 20 tonnes.