User:A300st/ka226

The Kamov Ka-226 "Sergei" is a small, twin-engined Russian utility helicopter. The Ka-226 features an interchangable mission pod, rather than a conventional cabin, allowing the use of various accomodation or equipment configurations. The Ka-226 entered service in 2002.

Development
A turbine version of the successful Kamov Ka-26, the Ka-226 was originally anounced in 1990. Originally developed to meet the requirements of the Russian disaster relief ministry, the aircraft first flew on September 4, 1997. Certification to Russian AP-29 'A' and 'B' transport categories was granted on 31 October 2003, and the first production aircraft was handed over to Gazprom on 10 June 2004.

Design
The design is a refinement of the proven Ka-26, featuring interchangeable mission pods. The aircraft is fitted with a new rotor system, increased visibility nose, and new passenger cabin design. The Ka-226 also features a new transmission system and is made largely from composite materials.

The aircraft is fitted with trademark Kamov coaxial rotors, of advanced composite design, making the Ka-226 highly maneouverable and eliminating the need for a tail rotor.

Operational history
Entered production at "Motor Sich", Zaporozhye, Ukraine. 450 hp Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engines ordered for Ka-226 production. Model Ka-226T will have Turbomeca Arrius 2G2 engines for improved high altitude and high temperature operation.

Variants
Search and rescue, medivac, disaster relief and patrol variants have been developed for the Russian Emergency Ministry. Air ambulance, police and fire fighting variants have been developed for the Russian government.


 * Ka-226A : Utility helicopter.
 * Ka-226-50 : Described initially as "improved version", but now appears to apply to all standard models.
 * Ka-226AG : Gazprom specific variant.
 * Ka-226U : Dual control training variant.

Operators



 * Russian gas company Gazprom (the largest extractor of natural gas in the world) operate several Ka-226 aircraft, designated Ka-226AG (AG standing for Gazprom company). The only difference from the standard Ka-226 is a different avionics fit.


 * A $25 million contract has been signed with Jordan to provide the RJAF with 6 Ka-226 helicopters. They will be partially assembled in Jordan at the Russian-Jordanian Oboronprom Middle East helicopter assembly facility.