The Mi-26TZ tanker helicopter has refueled the ground armored vehicles for the first time in the history of Russian air forces, Lenta.ru reports.

The refueling has been carried out during maneuvers near Chelyabinsk at the simulated battlefield. The fuel tanks of T-72 tanks, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles and BTR-80 kangaroo carrier have been filled with fuel during the maneuvers.

The modification of Mi-26 tanker designated as TZ has been created in 1988. The helicopter’s main objective is supplying the fuel for jets, helicopters and ground vehicles. The first serial Mi-26TZ has performed its maiden flight in 1996. The vehicle is able to carry up to 14 thousand liters of fuel and about 1,040 liters of lubricants. The set-up/tear-down time of the refueling system varies from 10 to 25 minutes.