Russia sure of Kamov Ka-226T helicopter win in India Armed forces tender

Moscow: Russia’s military export arm, Rosoboronexport is confident of Kamov Ka-226T multi-purpose helicopter win over its rival Eurocopter AS550 C3 Fennec helicopter in the tender to supply 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters for the Indian air force and army. “The Ka-226T showed itself excellently during the evaluation trials conducted within the tender earlier in India,” said a Rosoboronexport release. All the test phases of the tender have been completed and the examination of bids is at final stage.

Rosoboronexport release stated that offer it made is competitive for India. “A distinct advantage of the Russian bid is its “cumulative” effect: the superior Ka-226T chopper is offered together with an offset program which is attractive for the Indian side. First, under the offset program, Rosoboronexport, with the participation of Russian Helicipters holding’s enterprises, proposes to establish joint production of subsystems and components for the Ka-226T, followed by the assembly of these machines in India. Second, the joint development of new Ka-226T versions is offered. And, third, this program will enable the two countries – strategic partners – to go to full-scale industrial cooperation on helicopters. Russia’s vast experience in this area and the successful implementation of joint programs in the aircraft field (licensed production of the MiG-21, MiG-27, Su-30MKI fighters in India,) are a good base for realizing the most ambitious goals,” said the release.

The helicopter sports a coaxial rotor system, which helps in creating a large reserve thrust and a high climb rate and increases its hover ceiling. The aerodynamic symmetry and lack of cross-coupling in the control channels simplify piloting the helicopter, which is especially important when flying at low altitudes. The designers say that it is hence more maneuverable over the entire range of flight speeds. The Ka-226T is ideal for handling missions in mountainous terrain and at high temperatures.

It is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 engines having a sufficient capacity, which is critical in the highlands and hot climate areas. The helicopter can fly with just one engine incase of an emergency.