Russian helicopters boost European fire defences

Russian helicopters boost European fire defences

18-Jun-2015 Source: Russian Helicopters

Rotorcrafts produced by Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) are actively involved in fire-fighting operations in Spain, Portugal, and other countries within Europe. The multirole Ka-32A11BC is the only coaxial helicopter capable of reaching the scene of the blaze in record time and delivering about 5 tonnes of water to extinguish the fire.

The season of heightened fire risk in the Iberian peninsula begins each year from the middle of May and lasts through until October. Throughout this period, about 20 Ka-32A11BC helicopters are based near water bodies across the peninsula. The main fire zones are situated in Seville and Valencia in Southern Spain. During the season a single helicopter complete 300 flying hours. At times the helicopters have to complete complex operations for 14 hours a day. Depending on the distance between the fire and the body of water, the helicopter can carry out between five and 30 trips to collect water each hour.

“The unique Ka-32A11BC helicopter is operated in various regions across the world. The design solutions employed in this model make it a leader in its segment,” said deputy CEO for sales Grigory Kozlov. “Due to its manoeuvrability and compactness, it is able to carry out special operations in virtually any conditions. The Ka-32A11BC is able to put out fires in cities and remote mountain and forest areas. It received high praise from operators and is in great demand on the international market.” The fire-fighting model can be used to extinguish fires using Bambi bucket or water cannon. The Ka-32A11BC meets AP-29 requirements and in 2009 was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The helicopter has been certified in Brazil, Canada, China, India, and other countries. In December 2012, it received a certificate of airworthiness in Australia.

Various models of Ka-32 helicopter are operated successfully in Russia and the CIS, as well as in Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, Spain, and Switzerlamd.

The coaxial design and lack of tail rotor ensure the Ka-32A11BC boasts a compact design, high energy efficiency and manoeuvrability, while also being very easy to handle. The helicopter can operate for up to 32,000 hours, incurring low operating costs and is very economical. In addition, the Ka-32A11BC can be fitted with medical equipment and intensive care, meaning that resuscitation can be provided to sick and injured passengers during transportation.

Russian Helicopters, (part of State Corporation Rostec), is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. In 2014 its IFRS revenues increased 22,8% to RUB 169,8 billion. Deliveries reached 271 helicopters.

State Corporation Rostec is a Russian corporation founded in 2007 for the purpose of promoting the development, production and export of hi-tech civilian and military industry products. It comprises 700 organisations, nine of which have now been formed as holding companies of the military-industrial complex, five of them are involved in civil industries and 22 are directly controlled. Rostec’s portfolio includes recognised brands such as Avtovaz, Kamaz, Russian Helicopters, and VSMPO-AVISMA. Rostec’s organisations are located in 60 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and supply their products to the markets of more than 70 countries. The revenue of Rostec in 2013 amounted to RUB 1.04 trillion. The tax deductions into the treasuries at all levels exceeded RUB 138 billion.

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