Ka-226T Climber will make its international debut at Dubai Airshow 2021
The deeply modernized Ka-226T Climber light helicopter, which is being developed by the "Russian Helicopters" Holding Company (a part of Rostec State Corporation), will be demonstrated abroad for the first time during the upcoming Dubai Airshow 2021.
Andrey Boginsky, Director General of Russian Helicopters Holding Company, reported on the progress of the Ka-226T light helicopter modernization project during a working meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. For the first time, Ka-226T Climber was presented at the international aerospace show MAKS-2021, and at the eve of the Dubai Airshow 2021 the helicopter began flight tests and completed its maiden flight.
“The modernized Ka-226T is the first helicopter in Russia to be manufactured according to digital design documentation. This initiative made it possible to significantly reduce time for building the machine and to start flight tests in a short time. At the end of this week, the updated Ka-226T will debut at international exhibitions as part of Dubai Airshow 2021, and we are confident that it will arouse genuine interest among foreign customers due to its excellent flight performance, allowing it to operate at altitudes up to 6.5 kilometers, versatility, convenience and safety,” commented a representative of Rostec aviation cluster.
Thanks to its key feature – adaptability to high altitude flights – the Ka-226T modernization project received operating name "Climber". Aircraft airframe features new design with significantly improved aerodynamics which distinguishes it from previous models of the Ka-226 family. The fuselage of improved aerodynamic shape is made using modern lightweight materials. Ka-226T has received a new rotor head, blades, and main gearbox, as well as a shockproof emergency-resistant fuel system, which meets increased safety requirements.
The helicopter is also fitted with a new complex of pilot navigation and radio communication equipment; it can optionally have oxygen equipment, ballonets, air conditioning and heating systems.
Ka-226T has a coaxial rotor design, which provides good controllability in thin air, resistance to strong side winds, high rate of climb, ability to take off and land on sites located at high altitudes. Helicopter is also highly effective when flying over water surfaces. It can take off and land on the deck of even small marine vessels.
The aircraft is characterized by low vibration level, ease and simplicity of operation, ability to take off and land on minimum size grounds (including urban infrastructure), high accuracy of hovering even when working with cargo on the external sling, and safe passenger boarding with working rotors.
Mass manufacturing of upgraded Ka-226T helicopter in close cooperation with Kumertau aviation production company at Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant is scheduled to begin in 2022.
"Russian Helicopters" Holding (part of Rostec State Corporation) is one of the world leaders in the helicopter industry, the only Russian helicopter designer and manufacturer. Holding were established in 2007. Its headquarters are in Moscow. The holding company includes five helicopter plants, two design bureaus, factories for components production, aircraft repair plants, and a service company providing after-sales support in Russia and abroad. The Russian Ministry of Defense, the Russian Interior Ministry, the Russian Emergency Ministry, other government agencies, ''Gazprom Avia'' and UTair airlines, large Russian and foreign companies are buyers of holding's products.
Rostec State Corporation is one of the largest industrial companies in Russia. It unites more than 800 scientific and production enterprises in 60 country regions. Key areas of holding's activities are aviation engineering, radio electronics, medical technologies, innovative materials, etc. The corporation's portfolio includes such well-known brands as AVTOVAZ, KAMAZ, UAC, Russian Helicopters, Uralvagonzavod, Shvabe, Concern Kalashnikov, etc. Rostec is actively involved in all 12 national projects implementation. The company is a key contributor to Smart City technologies, state administration digitalization, industry, social sectors, 5G wireless technology developing plans, the industrial Internet, big data, and blockchain systems. Rostec acts as a partner of the world's leading manufacturers, such as Boeing, Airbus, Daimler, Pirelli, Renault, etc. The corporation's products are shipped to more than 100 countries around the world. Almost one-third of the company's revenue is generated by high-tech products export.