Ka-226 prepares for tender

The Russian Helicopters holding company is re-engining the Kamov Ka-226 light rotorcraft in order to win the Indian army tender for 197 light utility helicopters. Until now, the type has been equipped with two Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20R/2s. Kamov expects the more powerful Turbomeca Arrius 2G2 gas-turbine powerplant to dramatically increase the helicopter’s hover ceiling, expand its payload capacity and improve the hot-and-high performance envelope.
Russian Helicopters and Kamov contracted Turbomeca in January 2009 to develop a variant of the Arrius 2G1 for the Ka-226T helicopter. The engine has a take-off power of 537 kWt (730 hp) and a maximum continuous power rating of 475 kWt (622 hp). The Helicopter Servicing Company, a subsidiary of the Oboronprom corporation, has signed a contract with Turbomeca for the delivery of the first 2G1 batch.
The first flight of Ka-226T with the French engines took place this summer. The rotorcraft climbed to 7,000 m, but according to the designers, it’s capable to reach higher altitude. The Russian Helicopters says that the new engines will enable Ka-226T to be operated in mountain regions and in subtropics.
The Turbomeca-powered helicopter may be certified in Russia at the end of 2010. Russian Helicopters also work to certify Ka-226 and Ka-226T modifications in India. Series production of the modernized helicopter will be established at Kumertau Production Aviation Enterprise.
According to Russian Helicopters director Andrey Shibitov, the Indian tender is going to present a significant challenge. The US manufacturers have acknowledged this by withdrawing their bids. "So far we are answering all the questions of the tender commission and supplying the documents they request," he says. "I believe our chances to be fairly high."
Winning the tender may boost the Ka-226T’s popularity abroad, but Russian Helicopters also hopes to attract domestic orders. "As for Russian customers, it is my hope that Gazpromavia and UTair Aviation will take a closer look at this helicopter," Shibitov says. In 2004 Gazprom placed an order for 22 Ka-226 rotorcraft. The Russian gas monopoly needs these helicopters to monitor its gas pipelines. At Gazprom’s request the special Ka-226AG modification with improved avionics adapted for operation in harsh northern condition has been developed. According to the Russian Helicopter, the deliveries of Ka-226AG to the gas giant continue despite earlier delays.