Ka-226 orders expected, but have yet to arrive

Published: 12/2/1999

According to Alexander Pirozhnikov, Deputy Chief Designer of Kamov, the Kumertau plant will be the beneficiary of a potential order from the Moscow Government for two of the twin turbine utility helicopters. According to reports, this number could increase to 15-20. The Moscow order has lingered on the horizon for some period of time and the lack of confirmation must be causing Kamov concern, as the Ka-226 is perceived as the first of its products that can compete internationally. Another potential customer for the Ka-226 is the Russian gas producer, Gazprom, which was reported at the end of 1998 to have an interest in acquiring 75 helicopters. To date, no contract has been signed and Kamov, which has already fulfilled a 5m ruble contract to adapt the helicopter to Gazprom"s needs, remains unpaid for that work and uncertain as to how many helicopters the gas producer requires. Kamov is currently in the midst of having the helicopter certified under the Russian/US joint certification agreement, but its future is by no means assured. Serial production would require an investment of $10-15m, according to some sources, and Pirozhnikov estimates the market for the helicopter at 200-300 units. Originally it was stated that the production of the Ka-226 would be undertaken at Strela, Orenburg, which was felt to have the production quality for international customers. It appears, however, that both Kumertau and Strela are planned as production centres, although whether this makes particularly good economic sense is another matter.

Article ID: 1160