On March 11, 1982, the Ka-26 helicopter set world records for the rate of climb and ascent to the maximum height. The original modular design of this worker has entered the history of helicopter construction. A wide range of modifications, ease of maintenance, reliability and safety of the Ka-26 family of helicopters have made it one of the most successful projects of the Kamov Design Bureau. The successor of the record holder is the newest Ka-226T "Mountaineer", adapted for use in high-altitude conditions. It became one of the bright premieres of the MAKS-2021 air show in the segment of light multipurpose helicopters.
In just one March day in 1982, Soviet pilots Tatiana Zueva and Nadezhda Eremina set three world records on a Ka-26 helicopter at once. Tatiana Zueva lifted the rotorcraft to a record height of 5626 m, and a record horizontal flight height of 5602 m was also recorded. Following this, Nadezhda Eremina set a record for the speed of ascent: the helicopter climbed to an altitude of 3000 m in 8 minutes and 19 seconds. All three records were registered by the International Aviation Federation FAI in the E-ld subclass.
The history of the development of the Ka-26 dates back to the early 1960s, when the Kamov Design Bureau was tasked with creating a helicopter for seasonal agricultural work. The machine had to be distinguished by simplicity of design, ease of operation and piloting, and be effective in operation. As a result, a universal lightweight multi-purpose Ka-26 of the original design was born, which made it possible to quickly convert the machine from one variant to another to perform various types of work. In addition to agricultural, the model range included transport, sanitary, ship, rescue, exploration and patrol helicopter variants, as well as a modification of the "flying crane" for installation work and cargo transportation on an external suspension.
The layout of the helicopter of the twin-screw coaxial scheme was made in the form of a "flying chassis" with a platform to which one or another module is attached. The main advantage of such a scheme was the flexibility of application, which allows you to quickly "assemble" the desired version of the helicopter as a designer, using various sets of quick-detachable attachments. Two air-cooled piston engines M-14B26 were used as the power plant. For the first time in the practice of the world helicopter industry, the rotor blades were made of fiberglass and had an almost unlimited resource. The two-seat crew cabin had sliding doors and excellent visibility, flight and navigation equipment provided helicopter piloting in difficult weather conditions, windshields were equipped with windscreen wipers and an anti-icing system. Serial production of the Ka-26 continued in 1969-1977 at the aviation plant in Kumertau. A total of 816 helicopters were built, including 257 delivered to 14 countries around the world. Further constructive development of the Ka-26 was the Ka-126 and Ka-226 helicopters with gas turbine engines.
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| The first prototype (presumably, OO1) of the upgraded Ka-226T helicopter in the performance of 226.54, called "Climber", in the first flight, November 2021. |
| Source: Rostec State Corporation |
The newest modification of the family was the Ka-226T "Mountaineer" helicopter, adapted to perform flights in high-altitude conditions. The creation of the first domestic helicopter, positioned precisely as a high-altitude, is not accidental. Medics, rescuers, police and the military often face tasks that require flying at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, where piloting is complicated by many factors and requires increased skill and attention from the flight crew. Powerful ascending and descending air flows, the presence of zones of severe turbulence, a sharp change in weather conditions, low atmospheric pressure and other factors create additional risks for effective and safe work in the mountains. The new Ka-226T "Climber" will be able to be used at altitudes up to 6500 meters, will have increased flight speed and range of use, and will have a greater load capacity. The helicopter will be distinguished by good handling in conditions of thin air at extreme altitudes, resistance to strong crosswinds, high rate of climb, the ability to take off and land on platforms located at high altitudes.
For the first time, the prototype Ka-226T "Mountaineer", created at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant of the Russian Helicopters Holding (part of Rostec State Corporation), was presented at the MAKS-2021 air show. It differs from the previous models of the Alpinist family by a new fuselage design with improved aerodynamic characteristics. The use of modern lightweight materials made it possible to reduce the weight of the structure by 400 kg. The helicopter received a new main rotor column, blades and main gearbox, an upgraded complex of flight navigation and radio communication equipment, a shock-resistant accident-resistant fuel system that meets increased safety requirements. The volume of fuel tanks has been increased with the provision of centralized refueling. Optionally, the Ka-226T can be supplied with oxygen equipment, ballonets, air conditioning and heating systems. Certification of the helicopter for passenger transportation is planned.
Also, for the first time at MAKS-2021, a prototype of the VK-650V engine was demonstrated - a promising domestic turboshaft engine for light-class helicopters. First of all, the VK-650V will be used on the Ka-226T, where it will replace the French Arrius 2G1. Work on the creation of the VK-650V is being carried out at UEC-Klimov in broad industry cooperation using the latest design and production technologies. The VK-650V will have a take-off power of 650 hp, a mass of no more than 105 kg, maintain operability up to an altitude of 7,000 m in the temperature range from -55 to +60 degrees Celsius. Certification of the engine is scheduled for 2023, confirmation of readiness for serial production of engines is expected in 2024.
The first flight of the Ka-226T "Alpinist" was made in November 2021. Serial production of the helicopter is planned to be launched in 2022 at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant in close cooperation with the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise.
We continue to follow the developments and are waiting for the new Ka-226T "Mountaineer" with the Russian VK-650V engine for MAKS-2023!
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