07.10.2022
Rostec
The upgraded Ka-32A11BC made its first flight with VK-2500PS-02 engines
Ka-32A11BC.
Image source: rostec.ru
The Russian Helicopters holding company of the Rostec State Corporation has begun the next stage of testing the modernized Ka-32A11BC helicopter, capable of extinguishing fires at low temperatures. The rotorcraft performed its first flight with VK-2500PS-02 engines, its duration was 37 minutes. During the tests, the stable operation of all systems was confirmed, stability and high controllability were demonstrated.
The VK-2500PS-02 engines, which power the modernized Ka-32A11BC, were developed and manufactured by UEC-Klimov, which is part of the Rostec United Engine Corporation. The use of new power plants made it possible to improve the flight performance of the rotorcraft, expanded the possibilities for operating the helicopter, including when working with an external sling.
“The first successful flight of the Ka-32A11BC with turboshaft engines is a milestone event. Over the years of operation, the helicopter has established itself as an efficient and reliable machine. The VK-2500PS-02 engines increase the stability and safety of helicopter control in strong crosswinds, including in high altitude conditions. This will expand the geography of the use of the machine in extinguishing forest fires and conducting emergency rescue operations. We plan to complete all certification tests in the third quarter of 2023,” said Anatoly Serdyukov, industrial director of the Rostec aviation cluster.
The upgraded Ka-32A11BC is the world's first helicopter capable of putting out fires at sub-zero temperatures. This opportunity was provided by a unique domestic suspended fire extinguishing system SP-32 with a water heating function. Its capacity is up to 4000 liters with the possibility of using 400 liters of foam agent. Thanks to a more powerful water intake system, the tank is automatically filled in just 60 seconds - 25% faster than in the previous version of the helicopter. Among the options that provide fire fighting are the VSU-5 suspended spillway devices and a water gun for horizontal fire extinguishing.
In addition, the helicopter is equipped with modern emergency equipment, as well as a "glass cockpit" - a digital flight and navigation system with display indication. The Ka-32A11BC is capable of extinguishing fires in conditions of heavy smoke, on the last floors of high-rise buildings and oil and gas industry facilities.
“The modernization program provides for the revision of previously released helicopters of the Ka-32 family. In total, more than 260 Ka-32 helicopters in various modifications have been produced at the Kumertau enterprise of the holding. At the same time, the Ka-32A11BC is recognized as one of the most effective firefighting helicopters in the world. The twin-rotor design of this line of rotorcraft provides their unique maneuverability in vertical and horizontal planes, increases stability, as well as piloting comfort. This is especially important when performing emergency rescue operations and extinguishing fires in difficult ground conditions or in dense urban areas, including near high-rise buildings, when the flight and stable hovering of the helicopter are hampered by wind vortex flows,” emphasized the first deputy general director of the holding “ Russian Helicopters” Oleg Gulyaev.
The updated Ka-32A11BC is adapted for the use of night vision goggles. The capabilities of the helicopter can be expanded by installing additional surveillance, navigation and other target equipment integrated into the airborne flight and navigation system.
https://vpk.name/news/638613_modernizirovannyi_ka-32a11vs_sovershil_pervyi_polet_s_dvigatelyami_vk-2500ps-02.html
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