Photo: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters holding has shown Ka-226T light utility helicopter at the IDEX International Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The rotary-wing aircraft features maneuverability and flexibility – the convertible helicopter has a modular design. The operator will be able to transform the passenger air vehicle into medical service or cargo aircraft during half an hour without outside assistance.
The upgraded Ka-226T is a light two-engine gas turbine helicopter designed for cargo, passenger and service personnel carriage, economic zone patrolling, monitoring, search-and-rescue and medical evacuation operations. Design features of the upgraded Ka-226T allowed to reduce the weight and to improve the performance of the rotary-wing aircraft: payload and range were increased.
Several helicopter configuration options have been developed: passenger, cargo, emergency rescue, medical, patrolling, assault and VIP. The assault option can carry up to seven passengers, ambulance cabin accommodates two patients on stretcher and two accompanying medical persons. In addition, the casualty pod may be replaced with a cargo platform, crane and erection set-up, agricultural hopper with aerochemical pest control spreaders and other equipment packages. Flexibility ensures high demand for the aircraft and cost efficiency. With seasonal nature of operations, the operator can avoid equipment downtime or the purchase of more than one expensive aircraft with different options.
