MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Russian Helicopters holding has initiated flight trials of the import-substituted Ka-226T helicopter with the domestic VK-650V engine developed by the United Engine Corporation, with both companies being part of Rostec State Corporation.

The helicopter completed taxiing and hovering with maneuvers in air above the takeoff site, Rostec said. Ka-226T stability and steerability were checked during the flight and loads on main units of the helicopter were determined during the horizontal flight with several turns.

"The first flight of the completely Russian multirole Ka-226T helicopter is yet another significant achievement of the domestic aircraft industry. The modular design and the Russian engine made it possible to make the helicopter versatile, maneuvering and safe, while the coaxial system provided for stability and simplicity of operation. The completely domestically-made helicopter warrants technological independence and opens new prospects for sanitary, rescue and patrol aviation. I would like to note that the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade in cooperation with Russian Helicopters holding continues the systemic effort on import phaseout for aircraft," said Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Gennady Avramenkov, cited in the release.

Further to the new engine, the helicopter has the upgraded avionics and control system installed on its board. The helicopter also received the upgraded onboard cable network and other components of Russian manufacture.

"The start of flight trials of the upgraded Ka-226T with Russian engines clearly demonstrates the ability of our industry to produce modern aircraft of high quality exclusively on the basis of our own technologies and developments. It is important to stress at the same time that our reinvigorated helicopter is distinguished not merely by the new Russian engine but also by modern and more enhanced domestic onboard systems," said Nikolay Kolesov, the chief executive of Russian Helicopters holding.