Russian Helicopters Holding Company, forming part of Oboronprom Corporation, and Central Administration of Ordos city (China, Inner Mongolia autonomous region) Public Security have signed an agreement on delivery of fire-fighting version of civil all-weather multi-role Ka-32A11BC helicopter with coaxial rotors. The helicopter is equipped with «Simplex» fire extinguisher system, horizontal water cannon and VSU-5 helibucket, Russian Helicopters reports. AEX.ru
Russian Helicopters has won the tender on delivery of fire-fighting helicopters in August 2011. The delivery of first helicopter to Central Administration of Ordos city Public Security is planned on September 2012.
The performance of Ka-32A11BC allows usage of this vehicle for fire-fighting and it is confirmed by operation of the helicopter by EMERCOM and rescue services of Spain, Portugal, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece and South Korea, the company noted.
Ka-32A11BC is distinct for ease and precision of steering, achieved by usage of coaxial rotors. Absence of tail rotor and decrease of tailboom’s length to the dimensions of main rotors simplifies the maneuvering near obstacles and helps achieve superior precision of hovering even when working in the area of fire and unstable atmosphere conditions. Its high power-to-weight ratio allows transporting of 5 tons of water, Russian Helicopters added.
The helicopter is able to perform continuous duty in the conditions of high smoke content and dust level. Ка-32А11VS is able to fight fire on oil tankers and cases, enterprises of fuel, chemical and oil-refining industries, areas of gas and oil extraction, upper floors and roofs of high buildings. The helicopter may be used for creation of shelterbelts during forest fires.
The fire-fighting fitting of Ka-32A11BC includes a long list of special equipment: water cannon for horizontal fire-fighting, external water tanks («Bambi Bucket», «Simplex» fire-fighting systems), VSU-5 helibuckets.
Russian Ka-32A11BC helicopter is certified in China; has received certificates of airworthiness in the largest regions like America, Asia and Europe. At present different versions of Ka-32 are successfully operated in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China, etc. South Korea alone has a fleet of more than 60 Ka-32s – they are successfully operated in “forest aviation” for fire-fighting and also in the navy’s aviation.
China is currently operating one Ka-32A11BC, which performs tasks of China’s Polar Research Institute.
