Article Posted on : - Jul 14, 2010

Mi-26 Halo, a heavy transport helicopter. A file photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia and China will jointly design and manufacture a new heavy-lift helicopter, a Russian deputy industry minister said Tuesday.

According to a news report by RIA Novosti, the new transport helicopter will be based on the Russian Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter.

"The new helicopter will be built keeping in mind China's domestic needs and the two countries are currently discussing the machine's specifications," Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, was quoted as saying in the news report.

The Mi-26 Halo is the heaviest and most powerful helicopter in the world and can carry large-size cargos weighing up to 20 tonnes.

The Mi-26 was the first helicopter equipped from the factory with an eight-blade rotor. It is capable of single-engine flight in the event of loss of power by one engine.

It is currently in service in civilian and military roles.