The rotorcraft has received new engines with an automatic control system and a new avionics package with night vision goggles for night-time flights

Photo: Russian Helicopters

The first batch-produced upgraded Ka-32A11M helicopter has been got off the ground by Rostec’s Russian Helicopters holding. The rotorcraft has received new engines with an automatic control system and a new avionics package with night vision goggles for night-time flights.

The upgraded Ka-32A11M is outfitted with domestically made VK-2500PS-02 engines developed by United Engine Corporation (included in Rostec). The new engines have the BARK automatic digital control system and feature increased contingency power. Due to this the helicopter has improved flight performance. The helicopter has also got a digital flight and navigation system designed as a «glass cockpit». All essential helicopter and environmental data is shown on multifunction displays, thus, reducing the pilot workload and simplifying prompt situation assessment by the crew.

The upgraded Ka-32A11M boasts unique performance in its fire-fighting version. The helicopter may be equipped with the latest domestically made SP-32 fire-fighting system with a capacity up to 4,000 L of water and 400 L of foam agent. Its key feature is electrical heating of the helibucket designed to fight fires at ambient temperatures down to −20 °С.

To date the Ka-32A11M with new engines has performed more than one hundred flights within the flight test program. The helicopter can be operated in line with Class A and B international standards that impose the most stringent requirements to flight reliability and safety.