MOSCOW: The Kamov Ka-62 made its debut at the MAKS 2019 aviation and space show, demonstrating its versatility in flying in extreme weather conditions.
Russian Helicopters director-general Andrey Basinsky said the resistance of the helicopter to low and high temperatures makes it ideal for operations in the northern hemisphere and Arctic regions as well as deserts.
“The Ka-62 project implements a number of fundamental innovations that had not previously been used in Russian helicopter engineering. In particular, it features a non-standard rotor design, and composite materials widely used in its structure, which increases the manoeuvrability, flight speed, economic efficiency and load-lifting capacity of the rotorcraft,” he said.
Basinsky added that the Ka-62 would occupy the niche between the light-weight Ansat, Ka-226 and medium-sized helicopters of the Mi-8 type.
“The multi-purpose nature of the machine, its outstanding technical characteristics, and adaptability to harsh weather conditions should make the helicopter of interest both to the Russian and international markets," said Rostec State Corporation aviation cluster industrial director Anatoliy Serdyukov.
He added that the Ka-62 was designed to perform a wide range of functions, from cargo transportation, rescue missions and emergency medical care, to observations and environmental monitoring, oil and gas industry operations, and corporate transportation.
The Ka-62 is being produced by Progress Aviation Company at the Nikolai Sazykin facility in Arsenyev.
“At the moment, the company has built three prototypes that are undergoing flight tests, with airworthiness certification by next year,” said Baginsky.
The Ka-62 weighs 6.5 tonnes, can transport 15 passengers over distances of up to 600 km, and carry cargo inside the cabin and on an external sling.
Up to 60 per cent of the helicopter’s weight is from polymer composite materials, which increases the speed, manoeuvrability and load capacity, while reducing fuel consumption.
“Another distinctive feature of the helicopter is its single-rotor design with a multi-blade, anti-torque rotor ducted into the vertical tail fin, which was used on Russian helicopters for the first time,” said Serdyukov.
He added that the Ka-62 has a large passenger cabin, which makes it possible to increase both its seat pitch and seat width.
The helicopter's onboard radioelectronic equipment is entirely Russian-made, featuring a cutting-edge steering unit to control general helicopter equipment of the next generation.
“The design of the helicopter is compliant with international safety requirements.
“In particular, the helicopter is able to fly and land with only one engine running.
“The injury protection of the pilot and passengers in the event of an emergency landing is increased due to the shock-absorbent design of its chassis and the seats,” he added.