Heavy multi-purpose helicopter Mi-6, early version 1/144 Eastern Express 14506

Heavy multi-purpose helicopter Mi-6, early version 
1/144 scale plastic model kit
Eastern Express 14506

Manufacturer: Eastern Express (Russia)
Scale: 1/144
Material: Plastic
Paint: Unpainted, Unassembled, Kit do not contain paints and glue.
Condition: New in Box

The Mil Mi-6 (NATO reporting name Hook), given the article number izdeliye 50and company designation V-6, was a Soviet/Russian heavy transport helicopter that was designed by the Mil design bureau. It was built in large numbers for both military and civil roles.The Mi-6 resulted from a joint civil-military requirement for a very large vertical-lift aircraft, which could be used to add mobility in military operations as well as assist in the exploration and development of the expansive central and eastern regions of the USSR. Flown for the first time on 5 June 1957, the Mi-6 was the first Soviet turboshaft powered production helicopter.

The R-7 gearbox and rotor head developed for the project have a combined weight of 3200 kg, which is greater than the two turboshaft engines.

Variable-incidence winglets were first mounted on the craft's sides in 1960 to the 30 pre-series units. These wings provide approximately 20% of the lift required during cruise flight.

The Mi-6 was by far the world's largest helicopter when it was introduced; it was also the fastest, with a top speed of 300 km/h (190 mph). Its maximum load capacity is 12,000 kg.

When designed in 1954–56 it was by far the largest in the world. In its early days this helicopter set many world records, including one for sheer circuit speed at 340 km/h (211 mph). As of 2013, the Mi-6 still holds the FAI record of fastest 5-tonne lift over 1,000 km, in which it flew 284 km/h in 1962.From 1959–72 a total production of at least 500 were built for various general transport, utility, firefighting and flying-crane duties, the last two sub-types not being fitted with the large fixed wings which in other versions bear part of the lift in cruising flight and thus enable higher speeds to be attained. The twin nose wheels and large low-pressure main wheels do not retract.

Normally flown by a crew of five or more, the Mi-6 seats 65 armed troops and can alternatively carry 41 stretcher (litter) patients and two attendants, or a wide range of bulky loads, including vehicles, loaded through rear clamshell doors. In exercises, fleets of these aircraft have airlifted many kinds of weapons, including FROG-7 rockets on their PT-76 tracked chassis, as well as large radars and heavy artillery. All Soviet Armoured personnel carriers, armoured cars and light Mechanised infantry combat vehicles can be carried.

Mi-6
Mi-6 at Riga, Latvia.
Role	Heavy transport helicopter
Manufacturer	Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
First flight	5 June 1957
Introduction	1959–1981
Retired	2002 (Russia CAA)
Status	In service with foreign users
Primary users	Soviet Air Force Aeroflot
Produced	1960 to 1981
Number built	925+
Variants	Mil Mi-10