The Soviet and Russian transport helicopter Mi-26 surpasses the American CH-53E Super Stallion manufactured by Sikorsky Aircrafy in some characteristics. This is written by military expert Brandon J. Weichert in an article for The National Interest.
Both helicopters have impressive payload capacity. The maximum take-off weight of the Mi-26 is 56,000 kg. The helicopter can transport up to 85 soldiers or 20 tons of cargo in the cargo cabin.
The CH-53E Super Stallion is smaller in size than the Mi-26. Its maximum take-off weight is 33,300 kg, and the cargo cabin can accommodate 55 soldiers. The payload capacity is about 13.6 tons.
The power plant of two D-136 engines provides more power to the Mi-26. The helicopter excels at transporting oversized cargo to remote areas. The design is optimized for operation in the Far North and Arctic conditions.
Weichert emphasized that the CH-53E Super Stallion has an advantage in speed and flight range, but in terms of the main parameters (payload capacity and versatility), it «does not measure up» to the Mi-26.
The Mi-26 has been exported to more than 20 countries, including India, China, and even Mexico, which means that the Russian helicopter is valued worldwide.