Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters Holding, has displayed the newest model of the multipurpose Ka-226, at the Army-2021 International Military and Technical Forum in Patriot Park, Moscow. Production of the modernised Ka-226T helicopter is scheduled to begin in 2022.

The Ka-226T differs from the rest of the Ka-226 family with a new airframe design improving the aerodynamics. The fuselage is made using modern lightweight materials and the helicopter's control and electrical systems have been modernised. An impact-resistant fuel system that improves on standard safety requirements has also been fitted and the fuel tank volume has been increased with the provision of centralised refuelling. A new pilot navigation system and radio communication equipment is also included.

Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant says that one key feature of the Ka-266T is that the aircraft is well suited for high altitude flights, and the project has been given the working title of the Climber. The aircraft is characterised by low vibration, 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 to previous models, the Ka-226T will have improved flight and technical characteristics. 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. Additional options that can be fitted are oxygen equipment, an emergency flotation system and an air conditioning and heating system, and passenger transportation certification is planned.

"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.