Kamov Ka-226

Kamov

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1929
Headquarters	Russia
Products	Helicopters, including Kamov Ka-226
Parent	Russian Helicopters

The Kamov Ka-226 (NATO reporting name: Hoodlum) is a compact, twin-engine utility helicopter developed in Russia. Distinguished by its modular mission pod design instead of a traditional cabin, the Ka-226 allows for flexible configurations to accommodate various equipment or personnel needs. It officially entered operational service in 2002.

Development

Derived as a twin-turbine variant of the successful reciprocating-engine Kamov Ka-26—while the single-turbine variant is known as the Kamov Ka-126—the Ka-226 project was initially unveiled in 1990. Designed primarily to fulfill the specifications of Russia’s disaster relief ministry, this model achieved its maiden flight on 4 September 1997. The helicopter received certification under Russian AP-29 "A" and "B" transport categories on 31 October 2003. Production commenced at the "Strela" facility in Orenburg and subsequently continued at "KumAPP" in Kumertau.

In December 2014, reports indicated an agreement between India and Russia to manufacture the Ka-226T and Mi-17 helicopters domestically. Under a contract signed in 2011 with the Russian Ministry of Defence, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise completed manufacturing a batch of Ka-226.80 helicopters, delivering them on 17 April 2015. Viktor Novikov, Managing Director of KumAPP, confirmed that the state contract obligations were fulfilled ahead of schedule with multiple batches delivered previously as well.

By April 2015, Russian certification was successfully granted for the Ka-226T variant equipped with French Turbomeca Arrius 2G engines. Flight tests involved two helicopters of this model. This version offers enhanced performance compared to earlier production Ka-226s powered by Allison 250-C20R/2 engines. Deliveries of Allison-powered variants (Ka-226.50 and Ka-226.80) began in 2005 from Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise. These helicopters were supplied to agencies including the Federal Security Service of Russia (at least six units), Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (11 units), Russian Aerospace Forces (with a total delivery plan of 36 units), and Ukraine’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (one unit). Additionally, a contract was scheduled for delivery of 18 Ka-226TG helicopters to Gazpromavia. In late March 2017, the first two ship-based Ka-226Ts were delivered to Russian security services, with completion of six units by April 2018. In March 2018, a certificate supplement authorized operation of the Ka-226T under high-temperature conditions within Russia.

Following selection to fulfill India’s requirement for 197 helicopters, a joint venture agreement was signed in December 2015 between Rostec, Russian Helicopters, and Hindustan Aeronautics to manufacture Ka-226Ts at a new facility planned in Tumakuru, India. Nevertheless, after seven years, this initiative stalled due to unresolved issues involving technology transfer, local content requirements, and overall project costs within Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Consequently, India opted instead for its indigenous HAL LUH, derived from the HAL Dhruv, as a replacement for this tender.

Design

Building upon the established Ka-26 platform, this design introduces modular mission pods that can be swapped out as needed. It incorporates an updated rotor system, a redesigned nose for enhanced pilot visibility, and a newly configured passenger cabin. Additionally, the Ka-226 is equipped with a modern transmission system and extensively utilizes composite materials in its construction.

The helicopter employs Kamov's signature coaxial rotors, crafted from advanced composite materials, which deliver exceptional agility and eliminate the necessity for a tail rotor.

Variants

Several versions of the Kamov Ka-226 have been developed to serve different roles. The Russian Emergency Ministry utilizes models tailored for Search and Rescue, medevac, disaster response, and patrol duties. Variants designed for air ambulance services, law enforcement, and firefighting are also in service with Russian government agencies.

Ka-226

Standard utility helicopter configuration.

Ka-226AG

Variant customized for Gazprom operations.

Ka-226T

This version replaces the Rolls-Royce 250C engines with more powerful Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 engines, each delivering 670 shp. This upgrade raises the service ceiling to approximately 7,000 meters, enhancing performance in high-altitude and high-temperature environments. It features updated avionics including multifunction displays, an automatic flight control system, advanced navigation equipment, and radar. Optional gear includes a hoist, sling load capability, searchlight, and an auxiliary external fuel tank. For search and rescue missions, it can be outfitted with a medical module.

Ka-226TG

Gazprom-specific model derived from the Ka-226T variant.

• A Kamov Ka-226 operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces
  A Kamov Ka-226 operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces
• Kamov Ka-226T displayed at the MAKS 2009 Aviation and Space Salon
  Kamov Ka-226T displayed at the MAKS 2009 Aviation and Space Salon
• Gazprom’s Ka-226TG variant
  Gazprom’s Ka-226TG variant
• Ka-226 shown without its cargo pod attached
  Ka-226 shown without its cargo pod attached
• Removable ambulance cargo pod designed for the Ka-226
  Removable ambulance cargo pod designed for the Ka-226

Current operators

Template:RUS

• Russian Aerospace Forces (36 units)
• Federal Security Service (6 units on order)
• Police of Russia

Template:SYR

• Syrian Arab Air Force (minimum of 2 units)

Template:UKR

• Ukrainian Naval Aviation (1 unit) - operated by 10th Naval Aviation Brigade

Cancelled

Template:IND

• Indian Army (135 units initially intended, later substituted by the HAL LUH)
• Indian Air Force (65 units originally planned, subsequently replaced with the HAL LUH)

External links

• www.aviation.ru