Utility helicopter undergoing certification tests

Published: 7/11/2000

Kamov has received its second Strela-built Ka-226 utility helicopter for tests. Serial production of the helicopter is reported to have started at the Strela plant with five helicopters currently under production to fulfil an order for the Ministry for Emergency Situations (MES). The twin-engined helicopter is planned for use in urban rescue and evacuation missions. The Ministry is reported to have already paid for the production of the aircraft and it seems likely that, as with the Be-200 amphibian, the Ka-226 may undertake some of its certification tests while in service with the MES. The earlier reports of interest in the helicopter from Gazprom, reported to have potential interest in 75 machines, and the Moscow City Government, interested in 15 units, continue to persist, with the Federal Customs Service becoming a more recent prospect for the programme first outlined in 1990.

Article ID: 1922