The NefteGazAeroCosmos research and production center has signed a deal for 18 light Ka-226TGs from Russian Helicopter. The Ka-226TG, a modernized version of the Ka-226T, is designed to meet the research center’s needs for operations in the far north and on the Arctic shelf, with conditions of limited visibility and rapid air temperature fluctuations.
The Ka-226TG is equipped with an advanced KBO-226TG avionics suite, and can carry out long-distance operations at night and in dense fog and heavy precipitation. The helicopter is also equipped with additional fuel tanks, substantially increasing its maximum flight range.
The aircraft are to be transferred to Gazprom Avia, which plans to use them to monitor natural gas pipelines and other infrastructure owned by the Russian oil and gas giant Gazprom. The helicopters will also be used for corporate passenger transport, repair work and cargo transportation.
Designed by the Kamov Design Bureau and manufactured by Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, a Russian Helicopters company, the Ka-226T/Ka-226TG has a maximum take-off weight of 3.6 tonnes, maximum payload of 1.3 tonnes, and a maximum speed of 250 km/h. It can carry up to eight people, including one pilot. It uses an advanced, coaxial main rotor system powered by two Arrius 2G1 turboshafts the first time this engine has been deployed in a coaxial-rotor helicopter and a Russian-made VR-226N gearbox. This design solution provides the Ka-226T/Ka-226TG with a high level of flight safety: if one engine fails the aircraft retains flight capability and manoeuvrability using its reserve power. I
The helicopters are scheduled for delivery in 2013-2014, with the buyer receiving the first six machines in 2013 and the rest the following year.
