Russian Helicopters Presents New Ka-226T Model at MAKS-2021
JSC Russian Helicopters has presented the Ka-226T Climber helicopter at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon. The new model is the latest variant in the Ka-226 family. Visitors to the international air show were able to see the prototype due to conduct a series of test flights this autumn.
The Ka-226T Climber is ideal for flying in mountainous areas. Its coaxial rotors allow for easy control even at the highest altitudes with rarefied air. It boasts high resistance to strong side winds, and high rate of climb, as well as easy take-off and landing at high-altitude sites. The Ka-226T Climber also performs well in flights over water, and can take off and land on the deck of even a small seagoing vessel.
With low vibration levels, the Ka-226T Climber is a light helicopter which is easy to control. Capable of taking off from, and landing on, small areas (for instance, in a city), it offers highly stable hovering even during operation with external loads, and can be safely boarded while the rotors are turning.
Compared to older models in the Ka-226 family, the Ka-226T Climber possesses a number of significantly enhanced features. The redesigned frame boasts impressive aerodynamic characteristics. The fuselage is made using modern light materials, the flight controls and power systems have undergone considerable modernisation, and a shockproof crash-resistant fuel system has been installed in line with the highest safety standards. The model also features enlarged fuel tanks and centralised refuelling, as well as new flight and navigation equipment, and upgraded radio communication equipment.
Compared to previous models, the Ka-226T Climber boasts significantly improved flight performance characteristics: greater speed, lower weight when empty, and greater range. The helicopter can be operated at altitudes of up to 6,500 metres. Where necessary, it can be equipped with oxygen systems, ballonets, as well as air conditioning and heating systems. The model is also expected to receive certification for passenger transportation.
Serial production of the Ka-226T Climber is planned to start in 2022 at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant in close cooperation with the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise.
JSC Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, is one of the global leaders in helicopter production, and the only Russian helicopter designer and manufacturer. Formed in 2007, Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities and two design bureaux, as well as spare parts production and repair facilities, aircraft repair plants, and a service branch responsible for maintenance in Russia and around the world. Its helicopters are purchased by the Russian Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Emergency Situations, other state operators, airlines Gazpromavia and UTair, as well as major Russian and global corporations.
State Corporation Rostec is one of Russia’s largest industrial companies, bringing together more than 800 scientific and industrial organisations in 60 Russian regions. Its main areas of activity are aircraft production, radioelectronics, medical technologies, innovative materials etc. The corporation’s portfolio includes well-known brands such as AvtoVAZ, KAMAZ, United Aircraft Corporation UAC (in Russian: OAK), Russian Helicopters, United Engine Corporation UEC (in Russian: ODK), UralVagonZavod, Shvabe, Kalashnikov Concern, and others. Rostec plays an active role in all twelve of Russia’s national projects. A key supplier of Smart City technologies, the corporation is actively involved in the digitalisation of state management, industry and social areas, and in the development of 5G wireless technology, the Industrial Internet of Things, big data, and blockchain systems. Among Rostec’s partners are leading global manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Daimler, Pirelli, Renault, and others. The corporation supplies its products to more than 100 countries. Almost a third of its revenue comes from the export of high-tech products.