Zhuhai/ November 12, 2024 – Russian Helicopters holding company, part of Rostec State Corporation, will present the Ka-32A11BC multi-purpose helicopter at the Airshow China exhibition. The rotorcraft can be used for extinguishing fires, search and rescue missions, medical purposes, as well as oil spill response on water surfaces. Currently, aircraft of this type are widely operated by Chinese airlines. It is also possible to upgrade these helicopters to the level of the Ka-32A11M, which will make them even more effective.
A full-scale model of the rotorcraft is presented at the exposition of the Russian Helicopters Holding company. The helicopter is made in a firefighting version and belongs to one of the Chinese operators. In total, several dozen Ka-32A11BC helicopters are currently used in China.
“The Russian helicopter industry offers competitive helicopters on international markets that are in demand by a wide range of customers around the world. In particular, our Mi-8/17, Ka-32 and giant Mi-26 helicopters are operated in China. Among twin-engine helicopters, the share of Russian helicopters in China exceeds 30%. The multi-purpose Ka-32A11BC, one of which is displayed at the exhibition, is widely used for firefighting. By customer request, Russian Helicopters can upgrade the Ka-32A11BC to the level of the Ka-32A11M by installing new engines, an auxiliary power unit and a new avionics complex. This will add new capabilities to the aircraft and improve its efficiency. The machines can also be equipped with the latest Russian fire extinguishing system SP-32, which can operate even at subzero temperatures,” Rostec representatives said.
Helicopters of the Ka-32 line have been operated in China since 2009. The Ka-32A11BC is known for its reliability, ease of operation and maintenance, as well as lower cost per flight hour than that of competitors. In the firefighting version, the helicopter is equipped with water discharge devices with a capacity of 5 tons, and a fire extinguishing system. The horizontal fire extinguishing system enables the aircraft to fight fires in high-rise buildings. Owing to the coaxial-rotor configuration, the Ka-32A11BC is also highly maneuverable.
The upgraded version of the Ka-32A11M helicopter received new VK-2500PS-02 engines,
updated on-board equipment and the so-called “glass cockpit”, which makes the work of the crew easier. The new version has increased capabilities in emergency rescue operations, high-altitude installation works, fire fighting in mountainous and flat terrain, and in cities. In particular, the Ka-32A11M is equipped with a new set of electronic equipment with night vision goggles for night-time flying. In addition, KA-32 helicopters can ensure the fire safety of ships and fly emergency rescue missions based on ships at a distance from land.
The latest Russian SP-32 fire extinguishing system can take in 4 tons of water in just minutes and use it efficiently by adjusting the opening angles of the sashes. Its main feature is that it can be used to fight fires at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, as it is equipped with electric heating.
