The Ka-226T light helicopter in the latest modification will become the main rotorcraft for agriculture in Russia. The agreement on the creation of such a version of the aircraft was signed by the Russian Helicopters holding Company of Rostec State Corporation and the Aerohimflot Aviation Alliance. The first deliveries of the new Ka-226T modification to customers are scheduled for 2025. Today, in Russia, An-2 aircraft, Mi-2 helicopters, as well as light rotorcraft of foreign production are mainly used for agricultural work.
The Ka-226T is built according to a coaxial screw scheme, which gives it advantages over other machines when processing farmland. It is the leader in its class in terms of the ratio of take-off weight and cargo carried, it can make a U-turn almost in one place, which helps to use chemicals more efficiently and safely. This compact helicopter is capable of operating from small, unprepared sites, and its versatility will allow operators to avoid downtime in the off-season. If necessary, the aircraft can be easily converted into a sanitary, search and rescue, cargo or passenger rotorcraft.
"The extensive experience of using the Ka-26 helicopter in agriculture has shown that the coaxial scheme and modular design give significant advantages over other aircraft in this area. That is why we are creating a modification of the Ka-226T, which can become the main agricultural rotorcraft for our country. This helicopter will be completely domestic, will receive Russian VK-650V engines, the delivery of prototypes of which is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023. The demand for such aircraft in Russia is quite high, we are working on the possibility of supplying up to 80 agricultural Ka-226T in 2025-2030," the Rostec aviation cluster said.
The versatility of the Ka-226T is ensured by the modular principle: suspended modules of various equipment can be placed behind the cockpit. For example, when installing equipment for spraying fields, it is possible to dismantle a transport cabin for seven people. The helicopter will be able to carry up to 1000 kg of cargo inside the cabin or on an external suspension, the payload of the helicopter reaches 1500 kg with a maximum flight weight of up to 3800 kg, the maximum flight range with the main fuel tanks is 550 km.
"In the development strategy of the alliance members, which we are developing, the Ka-226T helicopter has a special role. The unique coaxial scheme of the screws, the characteristics of the helicopter will allow it to be used in a wide range of speeds, to process areas with difficult terrain, which is especially important for steep-sloping vineyards. In addition, the powerful vortex flows created by the propellers of the Kamov machine will allow for the most efficient production of aircraft processing," said Klim Galiullin, head of the Aerohimflot alliance.
