The 5 largest military helicopters

In this new top 5, we invite you to discover the military helicopters with the greatest transport capacity in terms of payload, built by the Americans and the Russians, who are neck and neck in this ranking. By way of comparison, the French Super Frelon, in service until 2010, could carry up to 5 tonnes of payload.

1 – The Mi-26 Halo

The Mi-26 is a heavy helicopter built by the Russian manufacturer Mil, in around 300 units. It first flew in December 1977 and the aircraft is currently in service in ten countries, including Russia (35 Mi-26s), Ukraine (20), Belarus (15) and Algeria (14). Its hold, 12 metres long and 3.3 metres wide, can carry two combat vehicles, 80 troops or 60 stretchers; by way of comparison, this load capacity is equivalent to that of the C-130 transport aircraft! The Halo has a payload of 20 tonnes and a maximum take-off weight of 56 tonnes.

2 – The CH-53E Super Stallion

The CH-53 is an American aircraft made by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The Super Stallion first flew in March 1974 and entered service in 1981. The United States has 177 CH-53s assigned to the Navy and the Marine Corps, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force also operates several. The CH-53’s hold is 9 metres long and 2.3 metres wide. It can carry 55 troops, light armoured vehicles, a 155mm howitzer and its crew, or 14.5 tonnes of freight. The Super Stallion has a payload of 15.9 tonnes and a maximum take-off weight of 33 tonnes.

3 – The Mi-10 Harke

The Mi-10, built by the Russian manufacturer Mil, first flew in June 1960. The Harke was produced in 63 units, for civilian use but also for the Russian army, where it entered service in 1963. This “flying crane” has a hold that can carry 28 soldiers, but it can also lift an external container carrying 120 people. The Harke helicopter has a payload of 15.1 tonnes and a maximum take-off weight of 43.7 tonnes.

4 – The CH-47 Chinook

The CH-47 is a helicopter built by the American manufacturer Boeing, which we cover in detail in another of our articles. The Chinook, produced in more than 1,200 units, first flew in September 1961 and entered service with the US Army the following year. Recognisable by its two rotors, the CH-47 has a hold 9.3 metres long and 2.3 metres wide. It can carry two Humvee vehicles, 33 troops or 24 stretchers. Its payload is 12.1 tonnes and the aircraft takes off at a weight of 22.7 tonnes.

5 – The Mi-6 Hook

The Mi-6 is another aircraft built by the Russian manufacturer Mil, in just over 900 units. When it first flew in June 1957, the Hook was the largest helicopter in the world. It has since been overtaken by the Mi-10 and Mi-26 but still holds a place in this top 5. It is used by nearly twenty countries. The Mi-6’s hold can carry 65 troops, 41 stretchers or vehicles, thanks to its 12-tonne payload.

Bonus – The V-22 Osprey

Half helicopter, half aeroplane: we present the V-22 Osprey. This aircraft is built by the American manufacturers Boeing and Bell, in nearly 350 units. Its distinctive feature is its tilting rotors, which allow it to take off and land vertically and to fly like an aeroplane. The Osprey made its first flight in March 1989 and, after many setbacks during testing and production, entered service in 2006. Within the US armed forces it is used by the Marines, the Navy and the US Air Force. Its 7.4 by 1.8 metre hold can carry 24 soldiers, 12 stretchers or freight, for a payload of 9 tonnes.

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