Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, announced that the Kamov Ka-32A11BC firefighting helicopter was officially awarded its certificate of airworthiness by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) at a ceremony during the Avalon Airshow 2013. The certificate was presented by CASA Director John McCormick to Sergei Kretov, the head of the Russian Helicopters delegation in Australia.
The Ka-32A11BC completed certification procedures in Australia at the end of 2012. The certificate means that Australian helicopter operators can now deploy the Ka-32A11BC as a search-and-rescue and fire-fighting helicopter, as well as using it to carry loads on an external sling and for construction work.
Earlier this year, Russian Helicopters chose the Ka-32A11BC as the mainstay and symbol of its Global Helicopter Firefighting Initiative (GHFI). Australia is a country that suffers damage from wildfires every year, and therefore has a need for specialized fire-fighting equipment able to combat the threat. As a fire-fighting helicopter, the Ka-32A11BC can be equipped with Bambi Buckets and water cannon, which combined with the helicopters unique coaxial main rotor system makes the Ka-32A11BC one of the best fire-fighting helicopters in the world, the company said.
Russian Helicopters is currently exhibiting the Ka-32A11BC at the Avalon Airshow, Feb. 26 to March 3 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The Russian Helicopters display can be found at stand 2F4.
