In April 2000, a couple of giant Mi-26T Halo were bought from Rostvertol, with this company providing training of FAM personnel at Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia. Named “Elefante” (Elephant) in FAM service, the Mi-26T was destined to provide heavy-lift capability to the newly created Disaster Relief Rapid Reaction Force “FARCD”. The first Mi-26T, serial 1901, crashed in December 2001, as it was hauling an inoperable Mi-17 on sling south of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Both helicopters were lost an this left 1902 as the sole “Elefante” in service. Although at the time programmed, the required Mi-26T replacement was later cancelled. Ship number 1902, last Mexican Air Force flying "Elefante" (Elephant) and thus the largest helicopter operating in Latin America soldiers on, providing heavy lift capability in the 303rd Air Squadron.
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