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Rostec expects high demand for import-substituted Ka-226T helicopter

The KA-226T import-substituted helicopter has completed its maiden flight

MOSCOW, May 25. /TASS/. Rostec state corporation expects that the demand in Russia and overseas will be high for the import-substituted Ka-226T helicopter with the indigenous VK-650V engine, said Vladimir Artyakov, the First Deputy CEO of Rostec.

The KA-226T import-substituted helicopter has completed its maiden flight today.

"Rostec State Corporation is consistently implementing the import phaseout program in the aviation industry. The next step is creation of a completely domestic version of the Ka-226T helicopter. The helicopter is now fitted with a Russian 'heart,' the modern VK-650V engine. During the flight lasting for 20 minutes, the powerplant functioned normally, having demonstrated the reliable interfacing with all helicopter systems. Its performance characteristics will improve flight and operating capabilities of the helicopter. We expect the improved helicopter will enjoy high demand in Russia and abroad," Rostec said, citing Vladimir Artyakov.

According to the release, the Ka-226T is capable of performing a wide range of missions: from cargo and passenger transportation to search and rescue and medevac operations. The modular design makes it possible to transform the helicopter into different configurations during 45 minutes.

The helicopter boasts the coaxial configuration of main rotors, which provides for good steerability at extreme altitudes and in the light air environment, as well as robustness against the strong side wind and high climb rate. The Ka-226T can be used on small-size pads and operate within a wide range of climatic conditions. It also has unique maneuvering characteristics when flying in the environment of urban infrastructure, including near high-rise buildings.

"Flight trials of the Ka-226t, the third platform so far for the cutting-edge VK-650V engine, is a significant milestone in implementing the import phaseout strategy in the aviation sphere. The helicopter showed stable parameters in all flight regimes today. This flight is the deliverable of the joint effort of UEC and Russian Helicopters, which shows the successful solution of the task of supporting the technological sovereignty," General Designer of UEC-Klimov Evgeny Prodanov said.