The Mil V-12 (also referred to as the Mi-12, NATO reporting name Homer) is the largest helicopter ever built. The name "Mi-12" would have been the name for the production helicopter. Since the V-12 never went into production and only two prototypes were built, the name "Mi-12" was never officially adopted.
Development came about as a need for a heavy lift helicopter capable of carrying major missile components and dropping them into silos without...
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The Mil V-12 (also referred to as the Mi-12, NATO reporting name Homer) is the largest helicopter ever built. The name "Mi-12" would have been the name for the production helicopter. Since the V-12 never went into production and only two prototypes were built, the name "Mi-12" was never officially adopted.
Development came about as a need for a heavy lift helicopter capable of carrying major missile components and dropping them into silos without the benefit of road infrastructure. Production began on the V-12 prototype in 1965 with the goal of lifting no less than 30,000 kg.
The first prototype made its first lift-off on 27 June 1967. After a few oscillations in close proximity to the ground the V-12 made a rough touchdown on one wheel resulting in a burst tire and a bent wheel disk. Even though the damage was insignificant, it was reported in the Western press that the prototype had suffered severe damage, and even to this day the rumor persists that the prototype had crashed...
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