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 The Russian Helicopters holding company is completing the certification tests of the upgraded Kamov Ka-226T light multipurpose coaxial helicopter. Production of the Allison 250-C20B-powered baseline Ka-226 is under way at Kumertau Aircraft Production Enterprise, Russian Helicopters holding company subsidiary, and Strela Production Association in Orenburg. The machine was productionised in 2000. The plant in Kumertau has specialised mostly in fulfilling orders awarded by Russian uniformed agencies, e.g. the Ministry of Interior and Federal Security Service Aviation Department that have taken about 15 aircraft of the type to date. The company in Orenburg has had orders awarded by the Gazpromavia company and Russian Emergencies Ministry. In addition, PA Strela delivered two Ka-226s in 2008, which are operated in the flying ambulance role in the Orenburg Region.
In March 2012 the Russian Air Force took delivery of KumAPE-built Ka-226s, with five aircraft brought to Syzran Air Force flying school (affiliate of the Air Force Military Training and Scientific Centre). In all, the Defence Ministry is intent on receiving about 16 aircraft of the type by year-end 2013 and using them for training pilots for Ka-52 combat helicopters. Longer-term plans provide for delivery of 40 Ka-226s prior to 2020.
The future of the Ka-226 hinges on the completion of the trials and launch of the production of the Ka-226T version powered by Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 engines that features a better power-to-weight capability and can operate at a higher altitude. Two Ka-226T prototypes have been in flight trials since 2009. Their certification programme is planned to be complete before year-end, with a supplemental type certificate in the first quarter of 2013. The Ka-226T is supposed to enter full-rate production with KumAPE in 2013 and, possibly, with PA Strela further down the road.
Russia furnished the Ka-226T for the Indian Ministry’s of Defence tender for acquisition and licence production of 197 light multirole helicopters for the Indian Army Aviation and Air Force. The Russian Emergencies Ministry has indicated its willingness to buy 16 Ka-226T medevacs in the near future, and about a dozen Ka-226TMs in the shipborne variant will be able to enter service with the Russian Border Guard Service later in the decade. Russian Helicopters marketing personnel estimated the overall Ka-226 and Ka-226T market capacity at about 180 machines throughout 2020 (apparently, exclusive of the Indian tender).
The Progress plant in the town of Arsenyev is now manufacturing parts and units to fit the early Ka-62 prototypes. The example intended for ground tests of the powerplant, powertrain and rotor system is expected to kick of its tests by year-end. The first flying prototype is slated for manufacture in spring 2012 and may fly for the first time as soon as May 2012. In all, the certification test programme provides for using four prototypes. The Ka-62’s certification and productionising in Arsenyev are slated for 2015. |
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