Russia to Start Production of New Ka-226T Helicopter in 2016

The serial production of the new Ka-226T multirole light helicopter will begin in 2016 at the Kumertau aircraft-making factory, Bashkiria. The factory is almost ready to launch production.

The first helicopters will be delivered to Gazpromavia. Earlier, the airline signed a contract to purchase 18 Ka-226TG helicopters.

According to a defense industry source, the Russian Defense Ministry may also purchase the new helicopter and is currently in contractual talks. Since 2011, the the Kumertau aircraft-production facility has carried out delivery of 36 Ka-226 helicopters to the military. The contract is due to be completed in 2015.

Earlier it was reported that the Indian Defense Ministry cancelled an international tender to purchase 197 light helicopters. Instead, the military recommended buying 197 Ka-226T helicopters directly from the factory. According to experts, the value of the contract may be worth up to $950 million.

The Ka-226T is the advanced modification of the Ka-226 multirole helicopter. It was designed in 2008. The helicopter has a takeoff mass of 3.6 tons and a maximum speed of 250 kmh. It is capable of carrying a payload of 1,050-1,100 kilograms in the bay or on its external mounting. The helicopter is equipped with an Arrius 2G1 engine produced by French company Turbomeca. It also has a new powertrain and modern onboard electronics.