Having made its first horizontal flight on May 25, the Kamov Ka-62 multirole medium-twin helicopter is progressing with its delayed flight trials, and is currently checking out the principal dynamic components such as engines and transmission. Next month the second helicopter is scheduled to join the test program, followed by a third by the end of the first quarter. According to Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky, three test vehicles will almost certainly be sufficient to complete flight testing, aided by a ground test rig. Certification is due in 2020.
Briefing reporters in Dubai, Boginsky reported that the company was on course to deliver more than 220 helicopters this year. He also outlined other programs that Russian Helicopters has running. A 1.6-ton single-engine light helicopter is currently in development with an aim of achieving certification in 2021. The design integrates a considerable amount of international content with domestic systems. Medical evacuation is seen as a key task for the type.
Russia itself is undergoing a recapitalization of its medevac fleet, and the company is on contract for 12 Ansat helicopters and 19 Mi-8/17s for delivery by the middle of next year. Proposals are also being prepared for the implementation of medevac capabilities in Colombia and Mexico. The coaxial rotor Ka-226T has been performing well in medevac trials in the mountainous regions of Iran, while the Ansat has also been extensively tested in Pakistan.
Russian Helicopters (Chalet C7) froze work on a new 10-ton medium civil helicopter primarily intended for oil/gas work some while ago, when oil prices slumped, but Boginsky reported that the company has been filling the gap by developing its Mi-171A2 for offshore duties in conjunction with Russia’s oil-and-gas industry. The larger Mi-38 continues to advance towards certification.
In the domestic military sector Russian Helicopters received a contract for two Mi-38s for the Russian armed forces this year, and this month began delivering modified Mi-28UB attack helicopters. This upgrade provides the ‘Havoc’ with full dual-control capability, along with other improvements. It could be trialled in combat operations in Syria shortly.
Both the Mil and Kamov design bureaus are now developing concepts for a new high-speed combat helicopter, with the Russian defense ministry to make a decision on which will proceed at the end of next year. Boginsky was quick to refute suggestions that Russian Helicopters should merge the activities of the two design offices. “The two design approaches offer only benefits,” he said. “Together we have a great heritage reaching back into Soviet times. We need to keep it. We need to grow it.” At the same time, he acknowledged that it made practical sense to harmonize elements of the design process, notably by sharing processes and test facilities.