Homer.

This is coolbert:

Here is the type of exaggeration for which the defector/writer Suvorov has been criticized?!

From Suvorov, "Inside the Soviet Army":

"the Soviet Army is a present evolving techniques for using helicopters for fuel resupply. . . A V-12 helicopter lands, carry 40 or more tons of fuel. Within ten minutes in has refuelled all the tanks [in a single battalion] and taken off again . . . A single V-12 helicopter flying at low altitude at a speed of 250 kilometers and hour, can refuel a whole division in one day . . . While a single truck carrying ten tons would take twenty-four hours to make a particular journey, a helicopter could do the same job in one hour."

In this particular instance, Victor is speaking of the Soviet V-12 helicopter. "Homer" using the NATO code name.



"Homer" was indeed a wonderment. The largest [even to this day] helicopter ever built. Holds [even to this day] a variety of world records for the type aircraft.

"The Soviet made Mil Mi-12 (Also known as the V-12, NATO reporting name "Homer") is the largest helicopter ever built."

"Although only two examples of the Mil Mi-12 were built, both being V-12 prototypes, this giant machine is worthy of mention as the world's largest helicopter to have flown to date . . . on 6 August 1969, the V-12 lifted a payload of 40204.5kg to a height of 2255m, establishing a record that remains unbeaten."

Was NOT originally conceived as a helicopter that would fulfill a re-fuelling role.

"Development came about as a need for a heavy lift helicopter capable of carrying major missile components."

In addition, NEVER ENTERED INTO PRODUCTION. Only two prototypes were ever built, and that was that. Another instance of the Soviets scaring the wits out of NATO planners. A threat that never materialized.

"It is to date the world's largest helicopter and flew for the first time in 1968, but did not enter production."

The maintenance requirements for this "beast" must have been formidable. These V-12 helicopters were not cost efficient. Great for photo opportunities but that is about it!

Please see also this photo of a German World War Two [WW2] transport helicopter, Fa-223.



There is, again, a remarkable similarity between the two designs. One [V-12], much larger of course, but similar, nonetheless!!

coolbert.