Upgraded Ka-32 Helicopter with Russian Engine Makes First Flight

Russian Helicopters flew the Ka-32A11M helicopter for the first time on Thursday, an upgraded version of the Ka-32 multipurpose chopper.

The Ka-32 is one of the oldest helicopters to feature a co-axial rotor, making the machine highly maneuverable and eliminating the need for a tail rotor.

According to Russia's state-owned Rostec, the rotorcraft received new engines with an automatic control system and a new set of electronic equipment, including night vision goggles for flights at night. The first flight of the production model took place at the flight test station of the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise of the Russian Helicopters holding company.

The Ka-32A11M performed a test hover and a number of maneuvers, confirming the helicopter's stability and controllability, as well as the operability of the upgraded equipment.

"Rostec produces unique civil aviation equipment with high flight and technical characteristics. For example, the Ka-32 helicopter family, which has earned recognition worldwide due to its efficiency. The main feature of the machines is the coaxial design, providing significant advantages in stability and maneuverability compared to classic designs with a tail rotor. This is especially important when flying in dense urban areas," said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec State Corporation.

The upgraded Ka-32A11M is equipped with domestic VK-2500PS-02 engines developed by the United Engine Corporation (part of Rostec). The new engines feature a digital automatic control system BARK and are distinguished by increased power in emergency mode, resulting in improved flight characteristics.

Additionally, the helicopter features a digital flight and navigation system designed on the principle of a "glass cockpit." All critical parameters of the helicopter systems and environment are displayed on multifunctional displays, reducing the workload on pilots and simplifying prompt situation assessment by the crew. New radio navigation equipment increases flight safety in both normal and adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the helicopter's internal and external lighting equipment allows for the use of night vision goggles.

All systems and components are sourced from Russian manufacturers. "The new version of the helicopter is distinguished by its increased reliability - earlier, during tests, the possibility of safe takeoff and landing in the event of failure of one of the engines was confirmed. The Ka-32A11M is well-suited for the most demanded aviation operations: transporting cargo on an external sling, conducting emergency rescue, and extinguishing forest fires. The coaxial configuration simplifies piloting, providing exceptional stability in hover mode, increased maneuverability, and thrust-to-weight ratio," noted Olga Plokhova, General Director of KumAPP.

Notably, the Ka-32A11M's firefighting variant boasts unique characteristics. The helicopter can be equipped with the latest domestic fire-fighting system SP-32, with a capacity of up to 4,000 liters of water and 400 liters of foam agent. Its main feature is electric heating of the drain tank, allowing extinguishing fires at outside temperatures down to minus 20 °C.

To date, the Ka-32A11M with new engines has completed over 100 flights as part of flight tests. The helicopter is capable of operating under international standards in categories "A" and "B", which impose the most stringent requirements for flight reliability and safety.