OREANDA-NEWS. Kamov Ka-226T light helicopters are in the biggest demand on the global market, judging by sale statistics, a Rosoboronexport representative said at the 11th defense show IDEF 2013 in Istanbul.

"We had been looking forward to a helicopter of the Ka-226T class. The Soviet period put focus on heavier helicopters, medium-sized Mi-8, Mi-24, Ka-27 and Ka-29," he said.

The development of light helicopters intensified in Russia in recent years, he said.

"They have their own niche and are more suitable for a number of missions. Obviously, it is not efficient to transport five to six paratroopers in a medium-sized helicopter. It is better to use a smaller craft, for instance, Ka-226T," he said.

Therefore, Rosoboronexport presents Ka-226T in Istanbul. "The helicopter is a mass product; it is also taking part in a large international tender. Its outstanding flight and technical characteristics were proven in comparative testing. For instance, its service ceiling exceeds 7,000 meters. This is an irreplaceable craft for highlands. Its co-axial configuration is the best for highland conditions and high winds. The absence of the steering rotor makes it resistant to winds," he said.


"The helicopter has interchangeable cockpits, which allows its rapid adjustment to particular missions. This is a new-generation multirole helicopter with the module cockpit configuration. The helicopter can perform a broad range of missions, such as patrols, transportation of paratroopers and search-and-rescue operations," he said.

Russian Helicopters said that high flight and technical characteristics and reliability of the Ka-226T new light helicopter derived from the modern radio-electronic equipment and two high-power turboshaft engines Turbomeca Arrius 2G1, which was critical for highlands and hot climate.

The Ka-226T multirole helicopter is participating in the Indian Air Force/Army tender for 197 reconnaissance and observation helicopters.