Russian Helicopters Delivers Ka-32A11BC Rescue Helicopter to EMERCOM of Kazakhstan

May 4, 2012

Astana, Kazakhstan / 4 May 2012 – Russian Helicopters, a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters and part of the Russian state defense industry holding Oboronprom, has delivered to the Emergency Situations Ministry (EMERCOM) of the Republic of Kazakhstan two modified coaxial Ka-32A11BC rescue helicopters. The delivery of the Ka-32A11BC helicopters marks the quick and successful execution of a contract signed on 15 August 2011.

The ceremonial delivery of the first Ka-32A11BC took place at the international exhibition of weapons systems and military equipment KADEX–2012 in the presence of representatives of EMERCOM Kazakhstan and Russian Helicopters.

The Ka-32A11BC helicopters, manufactured specially for EMERCOM Kazakhstan, are equipped with medical modules and horizontal water cannons. The helicopters are intended for emergency medical situations, rescue operations and firefighting. Additionally, the helicopters can be used for emergency repairs and other urgent tasks arising as a result of technogenic and natural disasters.

“The first delivery of the Ka-32A11BC rescue helicopters to EMERCOM Kazakhstan marks a new and important phase in cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation in the delivery of special-use helicopters,” said Dmitry Petrov, CEO of Russian Helicopters. “The development of partnerships with Kazakhstan state agencies has long been one of the top priorities of our company in Central Asia, and we are prepared to increase helicopter deliveries. In addition to the Ka-32A11BC, Russian Helicopters is offering EMERCOM Kazakhstan the new light utility helicopter Ka-226T with a medical module which, considering the climatic characteristics of the region, ideally suits rescue and emergency medical operations of any degree of complexity.”

One of the most striking examples of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia in emergency response was the recent joint efforts to put out wildfires using helicopters on the territory of the Russian Federation in 2010.

Today the creation of special-use helicopters is a top priority for Russian Helicopters: such aircraft are in high demand among emergency and rescue services in various regions across the globe. One of the latest offerings of the holding in this niche is the new light coaxial Ka-226T helicopter equipped with a medical module. In November 2011, an experimental prototype of the Ka-226T performed excellently in a Russian EMERCOM research training held in Sochi as part of preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Another top priority for Russian Helicopters in Central Asia on the whole and in Kazakhstan in particular is providing maintenance services for existing helicopter fleets and for new deliveries of Russian-made rotorcraft, as well as provision of modernization services for existing helicopters.

Maintenance of Russian-made helicopters in Kazakhstan is carried out by Aircraft Repair Plant #405 (Almaty), which signed a corresponding agreement with Russian Helicopters in 2009.

Russian Helicopters is open to cooperation with other companies with regard to organizing maintenance services in Kazakhstan. The holding’s maintenance provision policy is designed to create optimal conditions for operators of Russian-made helicopters throughout the entire lifecycle of the rotorcraft.

Today Russian Helicopters is prepared to fulfill any orders to equip rescue agencies with modern helicopters, including the new Ka-32A11BC and Ka-226T, and provide timely maintenance support for these rotorcraft.

The Ka-32A11BC and Ka-226T rescue helicopters can be viewed at the international exhibition of weapons systems and military equipment KADEX–2012 now underway in Astana, where Russian Helicopters is presenting the latest Russian-made helicopters.

Russian Helicopters will display the latest Russian-produced helicopter technology at Kadex-2012. Visitors to stand 3D2 (UIC Oboronprom, Russian Helicopters parent company) in the "Rescue and Safety" zone can discover the Ka-32A11BC and Ka-226T, as well as the super-heavy-lift Mi-26T2. The Mi-171A2 and Mi-38 will be on show in the "Regional Aviation" zone. In the "Military Helicopters" zone, visitors can admire the Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopter, the Ka-52 Alligator and the Mi-35M military transport helicopter.

The ??-32?11?? is a multi-role variant of the ??-32?. The helicopter is unique in its capability of carrying loads on an external sling and as a “flying crane” for the erection of tall structures. The coaxial rotors of the Ka-32A11BC have a number of advantages in hover accuracy and maneuverability, allowing it to perform complex installation and construction tasks. The Ka-32A11BC can be employed in a wide variety of tasks, including horizontal firefighting using a water cannon., search and rescue and medevac missions. Today the Ka-32A11BC is certificated in major regions of the world, in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. For instance, in 2011 the helicopter received type certificates in Brazil and India, while European certification was achieved in 2009 (EASA type certificate EASA.IM.R.133). In 2008 the ??-32?11?? was certificated in China, Indonesia, and South Korea. In 2007 it received the Chilean certificate, and the Mexican one came as early as 2005. In 2006, the helicopter was awarded a supplement to the airworthiness certificate in Canada. which allowed it to carry corporate passengers (the Canadian certificate itself was issued back in 1998).The ??-32?11?? was designed by the Kamov design bureau, a part of the Russian Helicopters industry holding. Mass production is based at the aviation plant in Kumertau. Over 140 have been built, and about half of these is in operation in over 30 countries worldwide.

The Ka-226T is the newest coaxial-rotor helicopter, equipped with two Arrius 2G turboshaft engines built by the French company Turbomeca, as well as the Russian VR-226N reduction-drive gearbox. The Ka-226T was developed by Kamov, JSC, and is now manufactured by Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters). Thanks to its advanced design and compact coaxial rotors, the helicopter could land on a limited area (about 20 square metres) near a motorway tunnel and evacuated a nominal injured transported on a stretcher. The helicopter has a MTOW of 3.6 tons with a useful load of 1.5 tons. The maximum speed is 250 km/h, and up to eight people, including one pilot, can be accommodated on board. The outstanding qualities of the Ka-226T rotor system, altitude, and maneuverability were proved during flight tests. One of the most important achievements of the Ka-226T, making it stand out from the competitors, is the practical ceiling of 7300 metres. The outstanding characteristics of the Ka-226T have also been a winning quality in mountainous regions and high-temperature climates, over sea and in highly congested cities, notwithstanding strong winds.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia.  Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow.  The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world.  Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. Over 8000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in 110 countries worldwide.  Traditionally the demand is highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007.  In 2011 its IFRS revenues increased 27.8% to RUB 103.9 billion. Deliveries reached 262 helicopters.

Russian Helicopters’ post-sale service and maintenance partner in Kazakhstan is Aircraft Repair Plant # 405, which is certified to carry out all major maintenance work on Mi-8/17 and Ka-32A helicopters. The company specializes in technical maintenance, modernization, servicing and overhaul of helicopters and rotorcraft components as well as ground and flight testing following repair and overhaul work. In cooperation with Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters, Aircraft Repair Plant # 405 installs on all models and modifications of the Mi-8/17 the latest radio communication systems, TV and thermal sighting equipment and rebuilds and refits military helicopters for civilian use – passenger transport, firefighting, search and rescue, medevac, convertible, etc. Aircraft Repair Plant # 405 also provides a range of services for extending specified maintenance/overhaul periods and the service life of these helicopters and assemblies.

Partners of Russian Helicopters:  AirTaxi Service (interior completions and maintenance); Tranzas (software, navigation systems, aviation simulators); CSTS Dinamika (technical training means for aviation flight and engineering personnel); BETA AIR (testing equipment and aviation electronics); Ural Works of Civil Aviation (repair of helicopter engines and components, as well as gearboxes).

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002.  It is a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation.  Its main tasks include: helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters, JSC) and engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company).