Product Spotlight: Russian helicopters KA-32A11M

The all-weather multipurpose civil Ka-32 with coaxial rotors and an MTOW of 11 tons, was developed by the Kamov Design Bureau of “Russian Helicopters” JSC. It has Russian and EASA Type certificates. Currently, over 240 Ka-32s have been built, which are in operation in more than 30 countries all over the world. The coaxial rotors give the helicopter a range of important stabilization and maneuverability advantages, which is especially important for firefighting missions. There are more than 100 configuration options for the Ka-32 series.

The Ka-32A11M is part of the Ka-32 helicopter family and is an upgraded version of the Ka-32A11BC.

The all-weather multipurpose civil Ka-32 with coaxial rotors and an MTOW of 11 tons, was developed by the Kamov Design Bureau of “Russian Helicopters” JSC. It has Russian and EASA Type certificates. Currently, over 240 Ka-32s have been built, which are in operation in more than 30 countries all over the world. The coaxial rotors give the helicopter a range of important stabilization and maneuverability advantages, which is especially important for firefighting missions. There are more than 100 configuration options for the Ka-32 series.

Operation Background

•Leading batch of Ka-32s has accumulated 24,000 hours per helicopter in Canada
•Average utilization rate for a Ka-32 is 270 hours per month, per helicopter
•Up to 16 hours operation per helicopter, per day, with hot refueling and one stop for crew change
•Up to 60 lift cycles (heli-logging) per hour, per helicopter
•Up to 30 lift cycles (fire-fighting with Bambi Bucket) per hour, per helicopter
•32,000-hour airframe approved service life
•10-year/8,000hour heavy maintenance works interval

Modernization

The upgraded Ka-32A11M is an upgrade of the Ka-32A11BC helicopter. The upgrade program includes:

•Max. load-carrying capacity on external sling increased to 5,300 kg
•Increased flight safety at 2.5-min OEI rating (2400 hp – 2700 hp)
•Substitution of imported components. Glass “cockpit” adapted to the use of NVG
•New fire-fighting system SP-32 with expanded tank capacity to 4,000 liters. Compared to its overseas competitors, the new Russian made SP-32 water tank has a more attractive price and can carry up to four tons of water. It also has digital controls and upgraded water intake and discharge ergonomics. In addition, it can be operated at sub-zero temperatures.

Fire-Fighting Equipment

The Ka-32A11BC is recognized by experts as one of the finest firefighting helicopters in the world and is a symbol of the Global Helicopter Firefighting Initiative, a program aimed at increasing the efficiency of specialized firefighting helicopters kitted out with suspended fire-fighting systems, water cannons and other fire-fighting equipment.

Bucket system

• Russian system – VSU-5A with 5000 l capacity
• Overseas system – «BAMBI BUCKET» HL5000 5000 l capacity
• Water tank system
• Russian system – SP-32 with 4000 l capacity
• Overseas system – Simplex 328 with 3000 l capacity
• Water cannon for horizontal firefighting in hovering mode (compatible with both Simplex-328 and SP-32)

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