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 The kickoff of the flight tests of the advanced Kamov Ka-62 medium multirole helicopter will become an event of the year. The helicopter is being developed by Kamov and manufactured by the Arsenyevbased Progress aircraft company named after N.I. Sazykin (both companies are Russian Helicopters subsidiaries).
Two first examples of the future aircraft were made in Arsenyev in 2013 - the so called 'iron bird' for ground tests of the powerplant, powertrain, rotor system and other equipment and the example bearing c/n 01-02 (reg. RA-62002), which was unveiled at the static display ground during the MAKS 2013 air show in late August 2013. The machine was supposed to become the first flying prototype of the Ka-62, and its flight tests were expected to begin before the end of last year. However, it looks like the need of extra ground testing of the radically advanced systems being developed in cooperation with numerous foreign partners necessitated an adjustment of the plan, with the Ka-62 to make its maiden flight later this year. Meanwhile, the assembly of two more prototypes is in full swing at Progress.
The Ka-62 has a takeoff weigh of 6.5 t and is designed to haul 15 passengers or 2,000 kg of cargo (2,500 kg on the external sling). In addition, it is to be able to operate as a search-and-rescue, medevac, patrol and trainer aircraft, etc.
The Ka-62 development programme is being implemented by the Russian Helicopters holding company within the framework of its cooperation with European partners. The machine is fitted with advanced Ardiden 3G engines from French company Turbomeca, the powertrain from Austrian company Zoerkler and the fuel system from France's Zodiac Aerospace. It has an up-to-date avionics suite, including the glass cockpit from Russian company Transas and a GPS/GLONASS-capable navigation system.
The Ka-62's launch customer proved to be Brazilian company Atlas Taxi Aero. The company in December 2012 ordered seven helicopters that it is going to use on offshore operations in support of Brazilian national oil company Petrobras. The delivery is slated for as soon as 2015. In addition, Russian Helicopters landed an order from Columbian company Vertical de Aviacion in last August for five Ka-62s, with the delivery to start in 2016. Once the machine has been developed and certificated, the Russian Defence Ministry is going to order a military version of the Ka-62.
(Photo: Yevgeny Yerokhin)
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