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 The Russian Helicopters holding company is completing the certification of the upgraded Kamov Ka-226T light multipurpose coaxial helicopter and is going to offer it to India for local production under a new tender Indian side announced after Indian Defence Ministry had decided last summer to scrap the previous international competition held since 2008.
As is known, the Russian Helicopters with its Kamov Ka-226T and Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) with AS550C3 Fennec were on the last tender's shortlist. According to a number of experts, the Russian offer had good chances to come up on top. The Ka-226T's flight tests conducted in India have highlighted the unique capabilities of the helicopter, especially in 'high and hot' operations.
Kamov Ka-226T powered by Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 turboshaft engines is a derivative of the Allison 250-C20B-powered baseline Ka-226 version being produced at Kumertau Aircraft Production Enterprise, Russian Helicopters holding company subsidiary, and Strela Production Association in Orenburg since 2000. New powerplant provides Ka-226 with a better power-to-weight capability and ensures its operations at a much higher altitudes.
Two Ka-226T prototypes have been in flight trials since 2009. Gazpromavia carrier is considered to become a launch customer of Ka-226T helicopters in Russia. Gazpromavia's order include 18 helicopters in Ka-226TG version. Deliveries are to start this year, as several production Ka-226TGs have been built already and being waiting the end of the certification process.
By the way, Russian Air Force takes deliveries of KumAPE-built Ka-226 helicopters since 2012 and fielding them with Syzran Air Force flying school (affiliate of the Air Force Military Training and Scientific Centre). 25 helicopters of the type were delivered by 2014, and longer-term plans provide for delivery of 40 Ka-226s prior to 2020.
(Photo: Alexey Mikheyev)
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