Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec, had showcased the latest version of one of the world’s top firefighting helicopters, Kamov Ka-32А11М, at the recent Dubai Airshow.

The upgraded rotorcraft, since its international debut, has become an instant hit with the global expert community.

The new model represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Ka-32А11VS with several game-changing features including the newest Russian-made digital-controlled engines, the digital navigation system, and the state-of-the-art firefighting and rescue operations equipment.

A water cannon ensures that the Ka-32А11М is capable of performing horizontal firefighting manoeuvres on high-rises — which is essential for the UAE — and on oil and gas facilities amid heavy smoke. The rotorcraft can optionally be kitted out with the VSU-5 helibucket.

“At the Dubai Airshow, we had rolled out some one-of-a-kind helicopters with a high export potential, including the Kamov Ka-32А11М, which drew the attention of experts and possible customers. The Ka-32 family’s efficiency has earned it international acclaim. Over 180 of these helicopters are operated in 20 countries worldwide. Should the operators say so, we can upgrade all of them to the Ka-32А11М specs,” said Dmitry Zuykov, Marketing Director at Russian Helicopters.

The VK-2500PS-02 engines feature enhanced power when used at maximum and emergency capacity, which is largely due to fine-tuned temperature adjustments facilitated by the BARK automated digital controls.  These engines help the helicopter operate in hot climates and in mountainous areas, which is a big advantage when it comes to wildfires and rescue operations.

The helicopter comes with a flight display digital navigation system, referred to as the “glass cockpit,” which helps crew better cope with challenging conditions and boosts situational awareness.

One of the Kamov Ka-32А11М’s fortes is its augmented manoeuvrability and ability to withstand the toughest flight conditions aided by the coaxial dual-rotor design. It makes the helicopter easier to pilot, compared to the traditional design, helps maintain a steady hovering flight, renders it more manoeuvrable, and ensures a high thrust-to-weight ratio.

This is instrumental in rescue operations, logging operations, cargo transportation, and firefighting in high-risk ground settings as well as in dense urban areas, including close to high-rises, when both the motion and the hover may be hindered by dangerous wind shear.

National Helicopter Center Mil & Kamov was established in 2019, merging the capabilities of the Mil Helicopter Plant and Kamov JSC. These two companies designed over 20 main helicopter configurations and multiple modifications thereof.

Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec) is one of the leading helicopter manufacturers globally and the only helicopter design and production company in Russia.

It comprises five helicopter plants and a national helicopter centre with merged capabilities of two design bureaus as well as spare part production and maintenance facilities, repairs shops, and a service company, providing after-sales support for both Russian and international customers.-TradeArabia News Service