Fist batch of five go into production at KumAPP and Strela (222 words)

Published: 6/14/2001

Leonid Shiryayev, from the Kamov Design Bureau, has confirmed that Gazprom subsidiary, Gazpromavia, has finally transferred the first part of the financing for its order for the first 22 of a possible 40 Ka-226 helicopters. Shiryayev says that four Ka-226s will be delivered in 2002, in line with the expected date of the aircraft's final certification programme that starts in August this year, with 22 aircraft to be delivered by 2005. The price of the Ka-226 in basic configuration, to replace Gazprom's existing Ka-26s, is about $1.3-1.5m, but Gazpromavia is intending to use the helicopter for monitoring gas lines and will require the fitting of special diagnostic equipment. In 2001, KumAPP and Strela will produce two or three helicopters for the first batch of five Ka-226s according to media reports although the sources close to the plants appear a litle less confident. The Gazprom helicopters will be produced according to Strela spokesman Andrey Menshikov in parallel with the five aircraft ordered by the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) that is reported to have invested $12m in the helicopter's production, with the ministry recieving the first helicopter. According to Menshikov there are currently ten airframes from which three are planned to be delivered by the year end. KumAPP continues to recieve support from the Bashkortostan Government for its part in the Ka-226's production and has recently recieved a $2.6m interest free loan from the government according to spokesman Andrey Zavarzin.

Article ID: 2587