On September 13, 2013, the holding company “Russian Helicopters” raised the first serial model of the upgraded Ka-32A11M chopper into the air. Press service from Rostec claims the helicopter executed a control hover and a set of maneuvers during the flight.
Before we go into the event details, let us give you some background information about the helicopter.
The Ka-32A multipurpose helicopter is designed for transporting people and cargo in its transport cabin, as well as oversized cargo on an external sling. It can also be used for evacuating the sick and injured, performing search and rescue operations, loading and unloading ships both in motion and at anchor, conducting ice reconnaissance, servicing offshore gas and oil pipelines, and carrying out construction and installation work.
The Ka-32A is a coaxial-rotor helicopter with two three-blade main rotors, each with a diameter of 15.9 meters. The rotor blades are made of polymer composite materials and feature a folding system for stowage on ships. The Ka-32A is based on the shipborne Ka-27 and Ka-28 helicopters and inherits their high power-to-weight ratio, maneuverability, and ability to fly in all weather conditions, including icing. Its components and systems are adapted for operation in harsh marine environments. The coaxial rotor configuration enhances the helicopter’s safety during maneuvering near obstacles, including in turbulent atmospheric conditions.
The Ka-32A is unmatched in its class, capable of transporting loads weighing up to 5,000 kg on an external sling at altitudes up to 2,500 meters. In the event of an engine failure, it can continue horizontal flight and safely complete the mission. The onboard radio-electronic system allows for flights at any time of day, year-round, even in difficult weather conditions.
The helicopter has set 7 world records. The Ka-32A is successfully operated by foreign companies in Switzerland, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, and other countries. Several modifications have been developed: the Ka-32A1 (firefighting), Ka-32A2 (police), Ka-32A11BC, and Ka-32A12. The aviation registers of Canada and Switzerland have issued type certificates for the Ka-32A11BC and Ka-32A12, respectively.
Now coming to the first test flight.
Along with the operability of the updated equipment, the flight verified the stability and controllability of the helicopter. The Ka-32A11M modification provides improved capability in urban settings, high-altitude construction work, firefighting in both mountainous and flat terrain, as well as in rescue operations.
Rostec pointed up numerous improvements in the upgraded Ka-32A11M.
The helicopter flies with the UEC developed VK-2500PS-02 engines. These engines give more power in emergency operation mode and have a digital automatic control system.
A digital flight navigation system, designed according to the “glass cockpit” principle, displays all the critical parameters of the helicopter’s systems and the environment on screens. This reduces the workload on pilots and simplifies the crew’s situational assessment.
The New radio-navigation tools improve flight safety in both regular and demanding settings.
The Night vision goggles are compatible with both internal and external illumination systems of the helicopter.
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