A production model of the Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter made its first flight at the flight test station of the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise. The crew performed control hovering and manoeuvring to check the stability and controllability of the machine, as well as the performance of upgraded equipment. This was reported in the press service of Rostec State Corporation.
The Ka-32A11BC helicopter modernisation programme was presented at HeliRussia-2019, with the new model receiving the Ka-32A11M index. It is equipped with a ‘glass’ cockpit with an updated system of onboard radio electronic equipment, VK-2500PS-02 engines with increased power in maximum and emergency modes, as well as a new digitally controlled SP-32 water tank.
The domestic fire extinguishing system SP-32 holds up to 4000 litres of water and 400 litres of foam agent. Its main feature is electric heating of the overflow tank, which allows extinguishing fires at outside air temperatures down to minus 20 °C.
Turboshaft engines VK-2500PS-02 without restrictions within the limits of the established resources significantly improve the flight characteristics of the helicopter in hot and mountainous conditions, as well as ensure their reliable operation during skidding, firefighting and other work with external suspension. The power increase was achieved by ODK-Klimov engineers due to more precise temperature control by the BARK-6V-7S automatic digital control system, application of new materials and heat protective coatings. The power on take-off mode is 2,200 hp, on emergency mode – 2,700 hp.
‘To date, the Ka-32A11M with the new engines has made more than a hundred flights as part of flight tests. The helicopter is capable of operating under international standards in categories ‘A’ and ‘B’, which impose the most stringent requirements in terms of reliability and flight safety,’ Rostec commented.
On 26 December 2023, based on the results of certification works carried out by NCV Mil and Kamov jointly with the Federal Autonomous Establishment Aviaregister of Russia, Rosaviatsia approved the upgraded Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter. It is designed for special search and rescue operations, high-altitude installation operations, as well as for cargo transportation and complex firefighting activities. The coaxial design and the absence of a steering propeller ensure high manoeuvrability and controllability. Since the first flight of the Ka-32 in 1980 and the start of serial production in 1985, more than 180 helicopters of various modifications have been produced.
