Rostec Started Flight Tests of Upgraded Ka-32A11M Fire-Fighting Helicopter

The upgraded Ka-32A11M fire-fighting helicopter produced by Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) took off for the first time and began flight tests.

The rotorcraft fitted with new engines, radio-electronic equipment and fire extinguishing system is to undergo preliminary and certification tests in 2022-2023, after which it will be available for Russian and foreign customers, said Russian Helicopters in a statement.

The first flight of the Ka-32A11M took place in hover mode at the flight-testing complex of the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (KAPE) in Bashkortostan.

 “Modernisation is significantly expanding the capabilities of one of the world’s best fire-fighting helicopters, Ka-32, аnd we are planning to complete certification of the Ka-32A11M in 2023.   After that, the rotocraft with the latest electronics and firefighting system will be available for Russian and foreign customers,” said Director General of the Russian Helicopters, Andrey Boginsk.

The modernisation programme of Ka-32 includes equipping it with a “glass cockpit” with an onboard avionics system, more powerful VK-2500PS-02 engines, and a new fire extinguishing system. VK-2500PS-02 engines will significantly improve flight performance of the helicopter in hot and mountainous environments. According to calculations of engineers, helicopter load-carrying capacity in such conditions can be increased by the value of about 1,600 kg.

Technical solutions used in the “glass cockpit” of Ka-32A11M have already been tested on the Ansat and Mi-38 civil multipurpose helicopters; they will greatly facilitate the operation of additional navigation, optoelectronic and search equipment, which can be installed on the helicopter. It will also be possible to work with night vision goggles.

 A new SP-32 fire extinguishing system developed by specialists from National Helicopter Centre Мil & Kamov and KAPE has a number of significant advantages. A new tank holds 4 tons of water and is divided into four compartments. The patented flap system with digital control allows the flaps to be opened in pairs or alternately, as well as the opening angles of the flaps to be adjusted, thereby increasing the water discharge time.

  The fire extinguishing system can automatically draw 4 tons of water in 60 seconds and add up to 400 litres of foam agent and is adapted for the use of a water cannon. In addition, all SP-32 systems are electrically heated, and that is why SP-32 is the first system in the world that can be used in winter conditions at temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius.

Coaxial design of the Ka-32 helicopter provides stable hover mode and excellent crosswind stability. In addition, the absence of a tail rotor reduces the size of the helicopter, making it more manoeuvrable. These features provide special advantages for operating in mountain and forest areas, as well as in dense urban environment. Ka-32 is capable not only of extinguishing fires, but also of performing high-precision construction and installation operations, medical, search and rescue missions and of transporting cargo. It is well suited for high-humidity conditions and is particularly resistant to aggressive marine environments. Ka-32 characteristics allow it to fly in high turbulence and storm winds.

Mass production of the Ka-32 helicopters has been launched at KAPE. As for now, more than 240 helicopters have been built there. They operate in more than 30 countries, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Indonesia, Spain, Canada, Kazakhstan, China, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, Switzerland, South Korea and Japan. –russ/adj/aaa (PHOTO: Russian Helicopters)