Kamov Ka-226 Sergei (Hoodlum)

History

The long-standing Russian helicopter manufacturer Kamov produces the state-of-the-art Ka-226 coaxial rotor light utility helicopter, which has been officially adopted by the Russian and Indian armies. The platform features Kamov's signature coaxial main rotor arrangement, where one multi-blade main rotor is stacked on top of the other, negating the use of anti-torque tail rotor units.

The rotor itself features an advanced blade design that is critical to efficiency and effectiveness. With less than 100 completions so far (2018), interest in foreign markets is slowly growing.

The Ka-226 dates back to the earlier single-engine Ka-126 (17 built) in 1989, which in turn evolved from the earlier 1969 Cold War Ka-26 (816 built). Work on the Ka-226 began around 1990 to meet the Russian government's need for a multifunctional humanitarian assistance platform.

If the helicopter is equipped with the appropriate airframe modules, it can carry up to seven passengers in addition to the two crew members. The dimensions of the aircraft include a length of 25.6 feet, a diameter of 42.7 feet (including the main rotor) and a height of 13.6 feet. Performance specs include a top speed of 155 mph, a cruising speed of 137 mph, a range of up to 375 miles and a service ceiling of 20,300 feet.

The Ka-226 can hover to an altitude of 15,100 feet.

The Ka-226 first flew as a prototype on September 4, 1997, and was certified on the Russian market in late 2003.

The basic production model is referred to simply as the Ka-226. The Ka-226AG is a variant specifically requested by Russian industrial giant GAZPROM for its high and low operations in the oil/gas industry.

The Ka-226T model is powered by French-built Turbomeca "Arrius" 2G1 engines with 670 hp each, rather than the original Rolls-Royce modification, which provides better performance at high altitudes and temperatures. In addition to replacing the engine, there are all-new avionics and radar units, and the airframe can be easily adapted for Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) roles.

The GAZPROM variant of the Ka-226T became the Ka-226TG.

Both the Russian and Indian governments use the Ka-226 series. The former is both a service branch of the Air Force and a service branch of the Federal Security Service. For the latter, it was ordered to serve in the branches of the Army and Air Force.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes