Russian Helicopters and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has registered a joint venture for the license production of Ka-226T light h...
Russian Helicopters and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has registered a joint venture for the license production of Ka-226T light helicopters in India.
The JV will produce at least 140 of the 200 Ka-226T helicopters India plans to acquire to replace the aged fleet of Aerospatiale SA 315B Lama /HAL Cheetah and SA 316B Alouette III/HAL Chetak light helicopter fleet operated by Indian Air Force, Navy and Army.
The venture will perform final assembly and repair of helicopters, as well as act as an integrator of the Indian supplier chain with a capacity to produce up to 35 helicopters per year.
The French made Arrius 2G1 turboshaft engines that powers the Ka-226T will be assembled jointly by HAL and Safran. Both of them already have extensive ties, through license assembly of the Safran Ardiden turboshaft engine by HAL, that powers the HAL developed Dhruv, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter.
During trials in India, the Ka-226T demonstrated its capability to operate from the mountainous terrain and hot and humid climate in the country. It also achieved an altitude of 7,200 metres, exceeding Indian Army's 6,500 m requirement.
The Ka-226T features Kamov's distinctive co-axial rotor system which eliminates the need for tail rotor. It has a range of 500 km and maximum speed of 220 km/h.
One of the unique feature of the helicopter is the modular detachable cabin, which can be tailored according to the mission requirement, like for air ambulance, troop carrying or cargo carrying.
The maximum take-off weight of the helicopter is 4 tons. It can carry a 1.5 ton payload or 7 passengers along with 2 pilots.
