PZL-Swidnik Mil Mi-2

CCCP-21142 Mil Mi-12 (V-12), second prototype, Aeroflot, at Groningen Airport Eelde in Holland on 24/05/1971

The Mil Mi12, known in the Soviet Union as V-12, is a 120-seat heavy transport helicopter powered by four Soloviev D-25VF turboshaft engines. The Mil Mi-12 (NATO reporting name 'Homer') project started in 1965. The prototype flew first in 1968. This giant helicopter had fixed wings and was lifted by two Mi-6 rotors mounted at the ends of outrigger wings. Both rotors were driven by two 6500shp Soloviev D-25VF turbine engines each, mounted side-by-side at the tips of the wings. The four 6500shp Soloviev D-25VF turbines giving the Mil Mi-12 helicopter a maximum speed of 260km/h, with a 35400kg load or 120 passengers and 500km range. Two V12 prototypes were built. Both prototypes had the same registration! The first prototype was damaged in a heavy landing, but was repaired. The rebuilt first prototype Mil Mi-12 is located today next to the Mil Helicopter factory in Lyubertsi-Panki. This airframe also carried the registration CCCP-21142. The Mil Mi-12 never entered production.

On 24 May 1974, the arrival of the second prototype of the Mil Mi-12 at Groningen-Eelde airfield in the Netherlands was a sensation. This helicopter is the largest helicopter of the world. Mil Mi-8V CCCP-11097 escorted Mil Mi-12 CCCP-21142. Both helicopters were on their way to the Paris Salon at Paris-Le Bourget in France and came to Eelde for re-fueling. The Mil Mi12, known in the Soviet Union as V-12, flew first in 1968. The photographs of this Mil Mi-12 on the cover of the Airlife publication "Vintage Russian" are also of a series made by Jack Wolbrink during the time the CCCP-21142 staid at Eelde. The second prototype Mil V-12 CCCP-21142 is at the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino, located approximately 38 km from Moscow, Russia.