A delegation from the Indian MoD is likely to visit Kamov Design Bureau of Russian Helicopters to observe the demonstration flight of a light utility KA-226T rotorcraft and its ship-based version.
“We have offered the Indian side to visit Kamov Design Bureau that developed Ka-226T for the project of delivering 200 units of such helicopters and localizing their production in India. Our colleagues shall be able to take part in a demonstration flight and to learn more about Ka-226T capable of being deployed aboard a ship.
Placing an order for helicopters for the Indian navy with our joint venture in India is benefiting both sides, therefore, we have decided to invite our partners to gain a more detailed familiarisation with this rotorcraft,” noted Andrey Boginskiy, Director General of Russian Helicopters Holding Company.
In November 2017, the Government of India approved a tender for the procurement of utility helicopters for the Indian Navy. The helicopters are expected to perform search and rescue, humanitarian, monitoring and counter-terrorism operations and also to provide targeting to ship-based weapon systems.
Since 2017, KA-226T helicopters with a ship basing capability are being serially produced and delivered to the Russian special-purpose aviation.
As distinct from the “land-based” version, light utility ship-based Ka-226T helicopter features a blade folding system of the main rotor. Moreover, the helicopter boasts the state-of-the-art avionics suite, its components and systems are fit for operation under aggressive conditions of marine environment.
Owing to its small dimensions, the helicopter can be deployed on ships and low-displacement vessels.