Kamov's Ka-226 utility helicopter made its first flight at Lyubertsy airfield near Moscow on 4 September. The helicopter is powered by two Allison-250-C20 turboshafts rated at 335kW (450hp) and is equipped with French and US avionics.
By the end of this year, two more helicopters are planned to be produced by PO Strela of Orenburg, and, by the end of 1998, Kamov hopes to complete certification flight tests and start series production. Russian avionics will be available in series-production aircraft.
The Ka-226 is being developed primarily on the strength of an order for between 20 and 25 helicopters from Russia's ministry of emergency situations. The six-passenger helicopter will cost about $1.5 million. The Moscow city administration also plans to buy 15 of the Ka-226s for patrol and medical- evacuation missions. Gas-producer Gazprom says that it may buy up to 75 aircraft for patrolling gas pipelines and servicing gas fields.
Source: Flight International
