The rotorcraft is used for fire fighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation and oil spill response

Photo: Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters holding will show the Ka-32A11VS utility helicopter at the Airshow China. The rotorcraft is used for fire fighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation and marine oil spill response. This type of aircraft is widely used by Chinese companies. Moreover, the helicopters may be updated to the Ka-32A11M level. 

“Russian helicopter industry offers competitive helicopters in international markets. In particular, our helicopters from the Mi-8/17, Ka-32 and Mi-26TS families are operated in China. The share of Russian products among twin-engine helicopters in the PRC exceeds 30%. The Ka-32A11VS utility helicopters, one of which is shown at the exhibition, are widely used for fire fighting. Moreover, Russian Helicopters holding can upgrade the Ka-32A11VS to the Ka-32A11M at the operator’s request by providing new propulsion, auxiliary power unit and new avionics system,” said Rostec’s representatives. 

The Ka-32 family helicopters have been operated in the PRC since 2009. The Ka-32A11VS features reliability, easy operation and maintenance that are traditional for Russian aircraft, as well as a lower cost per flying hour than that of its competitors. The fire fighting version of the helicopter is equipped with 5t helibuckets and fire-extinguishing system. The horizontal fire-extinguishing system is used to fight fires in high rise buildings. Due to a coaxial configuration, the Ka-32A11VS also features high maneuverability.