Press Release

The new Ka-226T, otherwise known as the 'Climber'.

Issued by Russian Helicopters, JSC.

August 22, 2021

Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters Holding has presented at the static display of the Army-2021 International Military and Technical Forum in Patriot Park in Moscow the Climber, its latest variant of the light multipurpose Ka-226T helicopter, which will begin flight tests this autumn.

Serial production of the modernised Ka-226T helicopter is scheduled to start in 2022 in close cooperation with Kumertau aviation manufacturing company at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant facility.

"For U-UAP, this is the first helicopter for which all design documentation was made in full in electronic form. This allowed us to reduce tooling manufacturing time and significantly improve quality and accuracy by eliminating errors in two-dimensional design. The use of three-dimensional models has greatly facilitated the complicated task of assembling units made in different plants," says Alexey Kozlov, U-UAP 's managing director.

The upgraded Ka-226T differs significantly from the Ka-226 family. The helicopter has a new airframe design with substantially improved aerodynamics. The fuselage is made using modern lightweight materials, the helicopter's control and electrical systems have been modernised and an impact-resistant fuel system that meets increased safety requirements has been installed. At the same time, the fuel tank volume has been increased with the provision of centralised refuelling. A new complex of pilot navigation and radio communication equipment has also abeen dded.

The upgraded light multipurpose helicopter Ka-226, first presented at MAKS-2021, has aroused the interest of a large number of delegations. The upgraded Ka-226T helicopter has one important key feature; the aircraft is ideally suited for high-altitude flights, and the working project rhas therefore eceived a new title, Climber. This aircraft is characterised by low vibration, ease and simplicity of operation, the ability to take off and land on small size sites, including in urban infrastructure, high accuracy of hovering even when carrying cargo on the external suspension and safe passenger boarding when the rotors are working.

Compared with previous models, the upgraded Ka-226T will have improved flight and technical characteristics. In particular, the flight speed is to be increased, the empty helicopter weight is to be reduced, the application range is to be extended and it will reach altitudes up to 6,500 metres. The helicopter can be optionally equipped with oxygen equipment, an emergency flotation system and an air conditioning and heating system, and passenger transportation certification is planned.

The improved flight and technical characteristics of the Ka-226T, its environmental friendliness, efficiency, modern avionics and additional improvements in operational safety make this helicopter one of the best in its class.