‘If Ka-226T Wins the Tender, Then a Synergetic Effect Will Appear Due to the Loading of the Russian and Indian Joint Venture, Where the Order Will Be Placed’
What opportunities do you see regarding the supplies of Russian Helicopters’ products to India besides the contract for 200 Ka-226T helicopters? Are you going to participate in a new tender of the Indian Navy together with Rosoboronexport? Which helicopters do you plan to include in the application?
Indian Navy has been operating Kamov helicopters from the Eighties. Russian Helicopters intend to expand this cooperation in the segment of light helicopters. Together with Rosoboronexport we are planning to take part in a new tender for the supply of 111 ship-based Ka-226T helicopters to the Indian Navy.
These helicopters may be assembled by Russian and Indian Joint Venture, Indo-Russian Helicopters Private Ltd., established in Bangalore for the localisation of Ka-226T production. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has its headquarters in Bangalore. In the nearest future it is planned to determine the specific site, where Ka-226T helicopters will be assembled.
I would like to note that ship-based Ka-226T helicopter is already supplied to the Russian customers and successfully operated by the special purpose state aviation. We have developed a blade folding system of the main rotor, equipped the helicopter with a state-of-the-art avionics suite and prepared all the systems and assemblies for the operation in the conditions of adverse marine environment.
If Ka-226T wins the tender, then a synergetic effect will appear due to the loading of the Russian and Indian joint venture, where the order will be placed. This will allow us and the Indian party to obtain much more revenue from the investments into the JV. Moreover, India will be able to support a local producer and save costs: the Holding Company has already developed a naval variant and the maintenance of one-type fleet of helicopters and training of personnel will be significantly lower in cost.
What are the design specifics of the ship-based Ka-226T?
As compared to the ‘land based’ version, light utility ship-based Ka-226T helicopter boasts a blade folding system of the main rotor. The helicopter is fitted with the cutting-edge avionics suite, ensuring communication with the helicopter carrier and safe landing on board the ship. All the components and systems of the helicopter are treated with anti-corrosion coating to preserve their operability and safety margin in marine environment. Thanks to a small size the helicopter may be accommodated on ships and vessels of small displacement. Ship-based Ka-226T helicopter may be used to perform search and rescue, as well as transport missions day and night in standard and adverse weather conditions.
Light utility Ka-226T helicopter, featuring a coaxial main rotor system, with the maximum take-off weight of 3.6 tonnes is capable of transporting up to 1 tonne of payload. The main distinctive feature of the helicopter is its modular design. Ka-226T may be easily equipped with a transport cabin, which allows transporting up to 6 people, or modules fitted with special equipment. Improved performance of Ka-226T helicopter, environmental friendliness, cost effectiveness, state-of-the-art avionics suite and additional flight safety solutions make this helicopter one of the best in its class.
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