Mil Mi-6 Hook

The Mil Mi-6 'Hook' was a Soviet military transport helicopter, which was widely used during the Cold War. Designed by Mikhail Mil in 1954, the prototype V-6 Shestjorka performed its maiden flight on June 5, 1957, and it entered service the following year. It was the first Soviet helicopter fitted with turboshaft engines, instead of piston engines. At the end of the 1950s, it was the largest helicopter in the world. It was also built in large numbers, being also employed by the armed forces of Eastern European countries and by North Korea and North Vietnam.

The Mil Mi-6 Hook was in service with the Red Army, from Europe to the Far East Asia, both as a troop transport and a heavy equipment transporter. Up to 70 well-accoutered paratroopers could be carried or a 13-ton load. Since it was a rear-loading helicopter, equipped with rear clam-shell doors and a ramp, it could also transport military vehicles. It was a very reliable and stable helicopter. The most widely built version was the Mi-6T, which was also acquired by the Peruvian Air Force.

Below, the Mi-6T version in 1980. It would be retired from service in 2002.

Technical Descriptions

The Mil Mi-6 was a two-engine heavy helicopter, with an all-metal fuselage. It was fitted with short-span, shoulder wings and fixed landing gear. The aircraft was powered by two Soloviev D-25V turboshaft engines, each delivering 5,500 horsepower. The main rotor had five blades, while the tail rotor had three. It was the first helicopter in the world to exceed 300 km per hour, reaching the maximum speed of 310 km/h.

Specifications

Type: transport helicopter

Length: 33.18 m (109 feet, 6 inches)

Rotor Diameter: 35 m (114 feet, 10 inches)

Height: 9.86 m

Weight: 27,240 kg (59,500 pounds)

Power Plant: 2 Soloviev D-25V turboshaft engines

Maximum Speed: 310 km/h

Range: 1,450 km (900 miles)

Ceiling: (14,700 feet)

Below, the Mil Mi-6 in 1959 as it takes off a Soviet military base.

The blue-print drawing of the Hook.

Below, inside view of the Mi-6, looking backwards. You can see the rear ramp.