Boginskiy-Sitharaman Meeting To Take Kamov Helicopter Project Several Steps Closer To Realisation

Russian helicopters CEO Andrey Boginskiy will meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the Ka-226T Kamov helicopter project, which will enable India to assemble this helicopter.

At the meeting, they are expected to sign a contract and finalise the production facility for the manufacture of Ka-226T helicopters under a joint venture (JV) that was registered earlier this year.

India is procuring light weight multi-role military Kamov helicopters to replace its ageing Cheetah and Chetak versions.

Boginskiy will also discuss the possibilities of increasing import of helicopters to India and arrangement of after sales maintenance for helicopters manufactured in Russia, and supply of spare parts and components.

"Meetings at that high level are very important for our company, as they allow establishing direct relationship with our key partners, and India is undoubtedly one of them. Our joint Ka-226T project is implemented in line with the schedule, however, there is much to be done and we are at a very early stage. We also have a huge potential for developing after sales maintenance and we will certainly discuss this matter with Madam Minister," said Boginskiy.

A cooperation agreement in the field of helicopter production between India and Russia was signed in 2015.

Under the terms of the agreement, Russian helicopters and Rosoboronexport will jointly arrange supply and local production of Russian Ka-226T helicopter and its versions in the amount of 200 units, of which at least 140 must be manufactured by a JV located in India.

The JV that was established in June 2017 will carry out assembly and repair operations and also be an integrator for Indian suppliers. Ka-226T with its coaxial propellers has a substantial power reserve and high climb capability that increase the helicopter's hover ceiling.

Aerodynamic symmetry and absence of cross-linkages in control channels make it easy to pilot the helicopter that is especially important for low-altitude flights.

Such rotorcraft is more manoeuvrable at any speed. Ka-226T helicopter is highly suited for mountainous areas and at high air temperature.

Its high performance characteristics and survivability are ensured by two powerful engines. In case of failure of one engine, the helicopter can continue flying with the other. Ka-226T helicopter has good features designed by the Kamov design bureau: it has low level of vibration, it's modular, easy to operate, highly reliable and safe.