Posted on 08/20/2002 8:55:18 AM PDT by HAL9000
Military says missile shot down helicopter in Chechnya
KHANKALA. Aug 20 (Interfax) - Evidence has been found to confirm the theory that Monday's crash of a military helicopter in Chechnya, which killed more than 100 troops, was the result of a missile attack from the ground, a military source said on Tuesday.
"An investigating group found the weapon of the crime, a Strela anti-aircraft missile launcher, which had been used," a source in the headquarters of the Combined Federal Forces in the North Caucasus told Interfax.
Over 150 were aboard crashed helicopter in Chechnya - official source
MOSCOW. Aug 20 (Interfax) - The latest reports say that there were over 150 people aboard the Mi-26 helicopter that crashed in Chechnya and most of them died, a source close to the commission investigating the accident causes told Interfax on Tuesday.
"There were 156 persons on the flight list, five of them crew members. We are proceeding from the belief that there are no survivors left at the crash site," the source said.
The source said that the number of victims requires verification because it is not clear whether the helicopter picked up everyone who had signed up for it at the Mozdok aerodrome.
Meanwhile, official representatives of the Combined Federal Forces have confirmed the presence of only 132 persons.
The Mi-26 is the world's largest heavy-lift helicopter. It is capable of lifting large size cargo items weighing up to 20 tons, either inside the cargo compartment or on an external sling. A combined internal and external load configuration is also permissible, providing the total load does not exceed 20 tons.
The helicopter was developed for carrying large volume military equipment. A clearance control system is available for handling it during loading.
The cargo compartment is equipped with hoist with a lifting capacity of 5 tons and two electric winches.
Thanks to our helicopter, ground vehicles have attained flight. Flight crew compartment is armoured.
In only a matter of hours the helicopter can be converted into : assault troop version, equipped with 80 lightweight seats air ambulance capable of carrying 80 casualties on stretchers plus 3 medical attendants
The helicopter is also provided with an active interference system to combat against heat seeking missiles.
The Mi-26 is provided with engine starting facilities using internal power, special ladders are not required as both engine and gearbox cowlings, when in open position, serve as maintenance platforms.
The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) provides ground power for internal engine starting, electrical and hydraulic systems together with air conditioning of the flight crew compartment.
The flight crew compartement is pressurised and affords excellent visibility, with a well laid out, integrated flight/navigation system that meets with modern requirements.
The Mi-26t can fly day or night in good and bad weather conditions.
This would account for their poor gas mileage.
If you had 200 men they could average 220 lbs each for maximum load.
Not necessarily overloaded from the men alone.
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