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V-12

Mil Design Bureau · Heavy lift helicopter · Early Jet (1946–1969)

V-12 — Heavy lift helicopter
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The Mil V-12 (also Mi-12; NATO reporting name Homer) was a Soviet experimental heavy-lift helicopter prototype — the largest helicopter ever built. Mikhail Mil designed the V-12 in 1962-1968; first flight 10 July 1968 (after an earlier ground-resonance accident in mid-1967). Only 2 V-12 prototypes were built. The aircraft used a unique side-by-side twin-rotor layout — two Mi-6-style rotor systems mounted on stub wings extending from each side of the fuselage. The programme was cancelled in 1974 after the second prototype was completed.

The V-12 used 4 × Soloviev D-25VF turboshaft engines (6,500 shp each — total 26,000 shp) driving 2 × 35-m diameter rotors. Maximum speed 260 km/h, range 1,000 km, service ceiling 3,500 m. Cargo capacity: 196 passengers + 6 crew, or 25,000 kg internal cargo / 40,000 kg external. The aircraft set 8 world helicopter records 1969-1971 — including the absolute weight-lifting record (44.2 tonnes to 2,255 m, 6 August 1969) that has never been broken.

V-12 development was cancelled in 1974 in favour of the more-conventional Mil Mi-26 single-rotor heavy-lift helicopter. The Soviet Air Forces decided the side-by-side twin-rotor configuration was operationally too complex despite its lift advantages. Both V-12 prototypes survive — one at the Russian Aviation Museum (Monino) outside Moscow + one at Mil Helicopter Plant (Tomilino).

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Mil V-12 is still the largest helicopter ever built. It was a Soviet experimental aircraft from the 1960s. Only two V-12 prototypes were ever made, and the project was cancelled in 1974.

The V-12 was huge. It used four giant engines and two big rotors, one on each side. Each rotor was 35 meters across — wider than two tall trees side by side. The whole helicopter looked like a flying barn with rotors on its sides.

The V-12 could lift 40 tons of cargo. That is heavier than 30 cars combined. It could also carry up to 196 passengers — more than a small airliner. The Soviet Air Force wanted to use the V-12 to move giant rockets around the country.

The V-12 set eight world helicopter records between 1969 and 1971. Even today, no helicopter has lifted more weight than the V-12. Both V-12 prototypes still exist in Russian museums and look amazing in person. The project was cancelled because the Soviet Union built easier-to-use heavy-lift planes instead.

Fun Facts

  • The V-12 is still the largest helicopter ever built — no helicopter has been bigger since.
  • It used two huge rotors mounted side by side on stub wings.
  • Each rotor was 35 meters across.
  • Only two V-12 prototypes were ever made.
  • The V-12 could lift 40 tons of cargo, more than any other helicopter ever built.
  • It set 8 world helicopter records between 1969 and 1971.

Kids’ Questions

Why are there two rotors on the V-12?

One huge rotor would have been almost impossible to build strong enough for such a giant helicopter. Two smaller rotors side by side share the work and balance each other out. The two rotors spin in opposite directions to cancel out the twisting force.

Why was the V-12 cancelled?

The V-12 worked, but it was very expensive and complicated. The Soviet Union decided that big cargo planes like the An-22 and An-124 could do the same heavy-lift jobs more cheaply. Only the two prototypes were ever built.

Variants

V-12 (only 2 prototypes)
Two airframes 1968 + 1972. Both preserved in Russia.

Notable Operators

Soviet Air Forces (test programme only)
Programme cancelled 1974. Did not enter service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the V-12 still the largest helicopter?

Yes. The V-12 (1968) remains the largest helicopter ever built — its 105-m total span (wingtip to wingtip with rotors) + 105-tonne max takeoff weight exceeded all subsequent helicopters. The American Sikorsky CH-53K + Soviet Mi-26 are the largest production helicopters; both are notably smaller than the V-12. The V-12's 1969 weight-lifting record (44.2 tonnes to 2,255 m) has stood for 57 years + has never been challenged.

Sources

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