Mi-14 "Harke" helicopter (Unusual Aircraft Collection)

For many years the Russian aviation industry produced some of the world's best helicopters.   Although often not as technologically sophisticated as those produced in the west, Russian helicopters continue to hold many world records because of their ability to carry loads far beyond the capability of any American or western European helicopter.

The Mi-10 "Harke" was developed from the Mi-6 "Hook", and flew for the first time in 1962, the same year as the American SH-64 Skycrane, which is broadly similar.   However, the Mi-10 is much larger, 108 feet long with a rotor diameter of 115 feet, compared to 70 feet long and 72 foot rotor diameter for the Skycrane.   The Harke's greater size and power makes it able to lift 33000 pounds compared to only 20000 pounds for the Skycrane.