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The Mil Mi-6 (NATO designation, Hook) was developed by the Soviet Union, and was dedicated to transporting heavy goods and equipment. Right from the start, the machine was developed for both military and civil usage. The Mi-6 entered into service in 1962, and immediately impressed with its many achievements. For example, it set several speed and altitude records. What is more, its physical dimensions and load capabilities were larger than any Western counterpart, including the Sikorksy S-64 Skycrane. Finally, it was the Soviet Union's first turbo shaft-powered production helicopter. The Mi-6 was operated by a crew of six, and could carry between 60 and 120 people, depending on the seating requirements at hand. Remarkable were its (removable) wings stubs, which provided up to 20% of the machine’s lift in forward flight. In order to support its function as a transport helicopter, the Mi-6 had two large, hydraulically-operated clamshell doors and a loading ramp at the rear of the fuselage. The flight characteristics were not perfect, though, and the machine seemed to be somewhat underpowered in loaded conditions. There were also reports of severe vibrations at low airspeeds. The Mi-6 fleet was effectively grounded in 2002 when the Russian Minister of Transportation withdrew its type certification in reaction to a major accident in which 21 people were killed.
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