In the beginning of 1950 Mile experimental Design Bureau has started the projection works on new heavy military cargo helicopter BM6 (Mi-6). For the first time it was foreseen to use turboprop engine and five-bladed propeller of the large diameter. The assembly of the experimental version of Mi-6 was conducted in the special department of Zakharkovo airdrome. In 1960 after some improvements, Mi-6 was introduced into mass production. During the stage of government tests, the helicopter has set 17 world records. The mass production was developed in Moscow on the plant No23 and in Rostov-on-Don on plant No168. Apart from basic military-transport modification, cargo modification for Aeroflot purposes was developed, as well as tanker and fire versions. In 1965 Mi-6 was successfully demonstrated during the International Air Saloon in Le Bourge. |
