Rostvertol Company intends to launch a serial production of modernized heavy Mi-26T2 helicopters in 2012, Lenta.ru reports. It has been reported by the CEO of the enterprise, Boris Slusar. The company also plans to start sales of this vehicle, which is currently being tested.

According to Slusar, Мi-26Т2 differs from the basic Мi-26Т by reduced number of crew members – two pilots may operate the vehicle instead of five crew members. In case of using the external load, the number of crew members increases to three persons – the operator should control the external load. In addition, Мi-26Т2 may be operated at night.

The vehicle is also equipped with multi-role displays instead of standard analogue instruments. "It significantly reduces the workload on crew members", - Slusar noted. Мi-26Т2 will allow decreasing of operational costs and the cost of personnel training.

At present, Mi-26T is being delivered to domestic and international markets. This vehicle is operated in Russia, CIS Region, China, India, Venezuela and Greece. "In addition, leased Мi-26Тs are successfully operated in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa", - CEO of Rostvertol explained.

Word leaked out in February 2011 that the serial production of Мi-26Т2 has not been started yet, but Russia has already offered this vehicle in the network of Indian tender, which assumes the acquisition of 15 heavy transport helicopters. The tender has been announced in May 2009. The main rival of Russian helicopter is American Boeing CH-47F Chinook.