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World Aviation Industry News - Russia
 
 
Russian light multirole helicopter Ka-226T begins demonstration tour in mountains of Kazakhstan.
 
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, june 12, 2013, launched the first demonstration flights of the light multirole Ka-226T in Kazakhstan. Organised by Russian Helicopters, the demonstration tour is aimed at potential Ka-226T customers in Kazakhstan, including the airborne divisions of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Interior Ministry, Ministry of Health and other law enforcement and environmental authorities, as well as commercial helicopter operators.
     
Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, june 12, 2013, launched the first demonstration flights of the light multirole Ka-226T in Kazakhstan. Organised by Russian Helicopters, the demonstration tour is aimed at potential Ka-226T customers in Kazakhstan, including the airborne divisions of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Interior Ministry, Ministry of Health and other law enforcement and environmental authorities, as well as commercial helicopter operators.
The Ka-226T is Russian-made light multi-purpose helicopter powered by Arrius 2G1 engine
     

Flights were conducted over flat and mountainous terrain around Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk). The new Russian helicopter, with a maximum load capacity of 3,600 Kg, showcased the unique advantages of its coaxial rotors by demonstrating its external cargo mounting system and hoisting capability in flight. The Ka-226T also undertook a special flight at the request of the Aviation Division of East Kazakhstan Province, hovering and landing at an altitude of 2,500 metres above sea level in a practice evacuation. The helicopter’s coaxial rotors enabled it to take off with confidence and make precise landings in mountainous terrain on missions for government and commercial operators in Kazakhstan, who were all present to view the demonstration.

Russian Helicopters Director of Marketing Mikhail Dubrovin said: “We see significant potential in the Kazakh helicopter market and are fully able to meet demand. As we introduce new models to the global market, we begin by presenting them in CIS countries. Today we are pleased to demonstrate the Ka-226T on the ground and in flight to our Kazakh partners. We look forward to hearing their feedback and are prepared to consider localisation of production of certain Russian Helicopters models, including the new Ka-226T, in Kazakhstan.”

As demand for light multi-role helicopters has increased in Kazakhstan, Russian Helicopters has worked with Aviation Repair Factory No. 405 to prepare a plan for a joint venture to manufacture the Ka-226T in-country. This plan has obtained expert approval, and is currently being reviewed by the main shareholders of the Russian and Kazakh companies.

     
The Ka-226T used in the presentation was fitted with a special medical module that if necessary can be quickly dismantled and converted into a transportation cabin.
The Ka-226T used in the presentation was fitted with a special medical module that if necessary can be quickly dismantled and converted into a transportation cabin.
     
The Ka-226T is particularly at home in turbulent conditions and strong winds in steppe areas. The helicopter can operate in a variable climate with sharp changes of temperature, and also when there is a risk of icing. Another benefit of the new Ka-226T is that it does not require a hangar – the helicopter is built to operate throughout the year and for ground service anywhere in the world.

The Ka-226T used in the presentation was fitted with a special medical module that if necessary can be quickly dismantled and converted into a transportation cabin. In this configuration the helicopter can be used for transportation of goods and equipment with a total weight of up to 1,000 kg inside the cabin and up to 1,100 kg on an external sling.

The characteristic coaxial Kamov rotors and EASA-certified Arrius 2G1 engines make the Ka-226T capable of reaching higher altitudes than most other helicopters in its class. Thanks to its maximum climb rate of 10 m/s, low environmental impact and small sound signature, the Ka-226T can operate in various climactic conditions and landscapes, including urban conditions and built-up areas.

Russian Helicopters plans to market the new Ka-226T actively on the domestic and international markets. The Ka-226T’s superb flight capabilities and versatility, combined with its environmental, fuel-economy and safety credentials, make it an attractive commercial proposition given growing demand for specialised medevac, search-and-rescue and specialised.

In spring 2013 a medevac version of the Ka-226T took part in tests as part of preparations for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. Several scenarios involving medical evacuation were designed to assess the helicopter itself as well as possibilities for on-board use of modern medical equipment

The first serially produced Ka-226T built for the Russian Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) was demonstrated at the international HeliRussia 2013 exhibition, which took place in Moscow on 16-18 May 2013.