In September 2014, Rostvertol (part of Russian Helicopters Holding Company - subsidiary of Oboronprom Corporation, part of State Corporation Rostec), celebrated the 50th anniversary of the serial Mi-10 helicopter's maiden flight, press-service of Russian Helicopters reports.

The Mi-10 is a specialized military-transport helicopter (also known as the “Flying Crane”). Its development was started in 1958. Mi-10 was derived from Mi-6 heavy transport helicopter – designers tried to use the maximum number of Mi-6’s parts and components to ensure commonality. The helicopter was fitted with control system, transmission gearbox and power plant of Mi-6, but had narrower fuselage and original high four-wheeled landing gear that allowed it to handle large-size cargo with height of up to 3.5 m or to move them under the fuselage using a platform. The cargo platform was then fixed to the landing gear using hydraulic clamps. The Mi-10 was fitted with a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.

Development of Mi-10 was completed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant (part of Russian Helicopters) in 1959; the first prototype performed its maiden flight in June 1960. The testing was completed by 1964 and the mass production was started by the Rostov-based plant. The first serial Mi-10 performed its maiden flight in September 1964. Several versions of Mi-10 were developed: Mi-10GR electronic intelligence helicopter, Mi-10UPL – for transporting the multipurpose field laboratory, and Mi-10P helicopter designed to jam ground radars and provide targeting data for other aircraft. The first two versions remained prototypes, but the third one saw greater demand: Mi-10P helicopters were operated by regiments of USSR air forces.

The Mi-10K version of the Mi-10 was fitted with “short” landing gear. Its mass production was launched by the plant in March 1974. The helicopter was designed for construction, installation and transportation works. It had a low, four-legged landing gear and a cockpit located under the nose section of the fuselage featuring mechanical control as well as new radio equipment.

In the Soviet Union “'Flying Cranes” were used for cargo transportation, installation of drilling rigs in regions of East Siberia and Thule rich with oil and gas, for unique installation operations carried out in the network of construction and reconstruction of enterprises. These helicopters helped significantly decrease the cost of work and the time needed to complete it. The Mi-10 helicopters (different versions) have set 10 world records, including a sensational record in the area of cargo lifting: the helicopter managed to lift a payload of 25,105 kg. Rostvertol manufactured a total of 24 Mi-10 and 21 Mi-10K helicopters.