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The History Of The Soviet Mil V-12, The Biggest Helicopter Ever Built
By CHRIS LITTLECHILD
Russia and its former Soviet Union have never been afraid to supersize military hardware, such as the behemoth Mil V-12 helicopter, the largest helicopter in history.
This large aircraft, which could carry 105 tons, first began with OKB-329’s Mi V-6. Their mission was to create a hardy cargo helicopter for transporting military equipment.
The Mi V-6 could carry approximately 8 tons of sling cargo, a feat never seen before. Following its success came other models, including the prototype Mil V-12.
While the V-12 remained in the prototype phase, it’s the largest helicopter ever made. It weighs 321,485 pounds when fully laden, according to Guinness World Records.
Six people were required to crew it, and its cargo bay was almost 100 feet across. Its objective was to transport large equipment without enemies seeing what was inside.
However, as the Soviet Union moved to prefer a smaller fleet of machines, this gargantuan helicopter, with its quartet of Soloviev D-25VF engines, never officially entered the fleet.