Kamov expect Gazprom to order the Ka-226 as part of its fleet replacement programme

Published: 9/15/1999

Gazprom is reported to be close to placing an order for twelve Ka-226 helicopters according to Sergei Mikeyev, General Director and General Designer of Kamov. Mikeyev says that Gazprom is "seriously considering" the renewal of its 50 strong helicopter fleet and possibly becoming the second customer for the Ka-226, after Russia's Ministry of Emergencies (MChS). Mikheyev feels the fact that Gazprom already operates 25 Ka-26s, should improve the chances of getting the order combined with the work Kamov had undertaken for Gazprom and others, involving market analysis and design work on the adaptation of the Ka-226 to meet their requirements. In 1997, MChS provided the Ka-226 project with funding of Rbs 80 billion (in 1996 prices). A development of the Ka-26 that went into production in 1969, the new machine features a "flying chassis" design with a detachable passenger cabin from the basic airframe allowing customisation. Vineamin Kasyannikov, Deputy General Director at Kamov, said that two Ka-226 prototypes have been assembled and flown. The first made its debut at MAKS-97, and the second at MAKS-99, which will make most of the certification flights. While the first two airframes were built at Kamov's experimental aircraft factory in Lyubersty near Moscow, the Ka-226 production line is being set up at the Strela factory in Orenburg (www.concise.org 23rd April 1999). This factory is finalizing work on the third airframe, which will also be used for flight test purposes. The key difference between the Ka-26 and Ka-226 is the installation of AlliedSignal Avionics and the Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20R turbines replacing Russian equipment, the latter increasing the maximum load to 1525 kg, and cruise speed to 194 km/h. While last year's financial crisis hit the purchasing of engines and associated equipment for installation on series-built Ka-226s, Kasyannikov added that he was confident that the MChS contract will be met with restrictions on service, with the first delivery in early 2000.According to Kasyannikov, the Ka-226 should be fully certified by the end of 2000. The devaluation of the ruble has cut the price of the Ka-226, from $1.5m to $1.3m and could be reduced further to $1m for large orders. Additionally the use of domestic engines from Klimov and ZMKB Progress, who are known to be developing engines in the required power sector, could reduce prices even further according to Kamov. In addition to the two-year-old MChS contract for five Ka-226s, Kamov is close to winning a contract from the Moscow City Government for at least five airframes according to management. Gazprom has however, not made its final decision and while the Ka-226 is favourite, the Bell 407, Sikorsky S-76, Mil Mi-34 and Kazan Helicopter's Ansat are being considered.

Article ID: 859