A Ka-32A11BC helicopter built by Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Rostec State Corporation, played a key role in evacuating passengers from the Akademik Shokalskiy research vessel. On January 2 the helicopter, based on the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long, successfully completed an operation to evacuate passengers from the ship, which had been trapped in sea ice about 1,500 nautical miles from the coast of Australia since December 24th.

Russian-built helicopters including the Ka-32 and Mi-8/17 series are operated intensively in both the Arctic and Antarctic, flying from both land- and ship-based platforms to supply polar stations, to transport cargo and passengers, and for search-and-rescue missions. In remote locations with harsh climatic conditions, helicopters are the quickest and most efficient means of transport. Ka-32 and Mi-8/17 series helicopters can operate down to temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius, can be stored outdoors and have earned a reputation for reliability, efficiency and safety.

Two icebreakers – the Chinese Xue Long and Australian Aurora Australis – had attempted unsuccessfully to reach the Akademik Shokalskiy, after which it was decided to evacuate the passengers. A Ka-32A11BC operated by the Chinese State Oceanic Administration and based on the Xue Long was despatched to their aid.

The Ka-32A11BC made five flights to evacuate groups of passengers, and made two additional trips to retrieve their luggage and equipment from the expedition to the Aurora Australis. In total 52 people were evacuated, including tourists and scientists, in an operation lasting about four and a half hours. A crew of 22 remained on board the Akademik Shokalskiy, with enough provisions to see out the ship’s remaining time trapped in the ice.

Russian Helicopters release