The new light commercial Ansat and Ka-226T helicopters, developed by Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) are now available on the Russian commercial aircraft market. Both received the required Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Register certificates, and can be operated commercially. Earlier modifications of these helicopters have been used by the Ministry of Defence, Emergencies Ministry, Interior Ministry, Federal Security Service (FSB) and other Russian state agencies. Built to the traditional Ansat and coaxial Ka-226T designs, each has their own advantages. These multirole helicopters can be used for cargo and passenger transport, and also for medevac missions.

“Receiving the IAC’s AR approval for the new variants of the renowned Ka-226 and Ansat helicopters means a significant expansion of these helicopters’ range of use in commercial aviation,’ Chairman of the IAC’s AR Vladimir Bespalov said. “In particular, approving the ambulance version of the Ansat will make it possible to deliver emergency medical assistance and to evacuate the injured from accident or disaster sites. The Ka-226T is a deep modification of the Ka-226. It is fitted with Arrius 2G1 engines, a new VR-226N main gearbox and navigation avionics. These modernisations have significantly improved the helicopter’s flight capabilities and commercial appeal.”

“The certification of our new helicopters marks a new phase in our group’s development. We are entering a sector of the helicopter industry in which, for a long while, we had no presence. Today, we are offering helicopter operators two new light models. These helicopters boast a great diversity of potential uses on the commercial market, thanks to their technical characteristics,” Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said, commenting on the official awarding of IAC AR documents for the Ansat and Ka-226T helicopters, which took place at HeliRussia 2015. “It is also important to note that the Ansat and Ka-226T helicopters can also be of use in medical aviation, which is vital for a country Russia’s size.”

The Ansat helicopter, designed and produced by Russian Helicopters’ Kazan Helicopters, boasts numerous advantages over competitors in its class. It is reliable and easy to operate, can operate in a wide range of weather conditions, and does not need to be stored in a hangar. The Ansat has a metal fuselage, composite materials in secondary structures and fibreglass blades. The hingeless main rotor delivers heightened manoeuvrability and significantly reduces operating costs.

An addition to the IAC AR type certificate, making it possible to launch commercial operation of Ansat helicopters (cargo transport) was received in August 2013. In December 2014, IAC AR issued approval for the main changes (supplementary to the type certificate), covering commercial passenger transport. The medical variant of the helicopter marked the final stage in creating a unified helicopter certified for cargo and medical passenger transportation. Ansat operators can transform the cabin to suit their requirements.

Developed by the Kamov design bureau, the light Ka-226T helicopter is produced at Kumertau Aviation Construction Enterprise (both Russian Helicopters companies). The helicopter was built to a coaxial design and boasts outstanding manoeuvrability and power to weight ratio and is equipped with the latest avionics suite. All this means that the Ka-226T is easy to manoeuvre in heavily built-up cities and mountainous areas. The lack of a tail rotor and its compact size mean that the Ka-226T can land at small sites. It boasts a low noise level and meets all the latest environmental performance requirements. In March 2015, Russian Helicopters received IAC AR additional type certificate for the Ka-226T as a modification on the series-produced Ka-226.

Medical versions of both helicopters are also produced to meet the needs of medical aviation. The medical Ansat is designed for medevac and transport missions. It boasts high speeds – a maximum of 275 km/h, and has a range of over 500 km. The Ansat’s spacious passenger cabin can accommodate a patient, medical equipment, and ensure two medical staff have enough space to work.

The medical-resuscitation model of the Ka-226T has space for a patient and two medical staff to assist throughout the flight. Stretchers are easily loaded onto and unloaded from the helicopter through the large opening in the rear of the transport cabin. The Ka-226T’s medical equipment meets international standards and ensures the medical staff are able to work effectively during the flight. The Ka-226T has a range of 500 km and maximum speed of 220 km/h.

Press release and picture: Russian Helicopter