00:00Russia's Ka-226T light helicopter has just completed its first full circular test flight
00:05with a completely overhauled powertrain. This is the Komov Ka-226T, a twin-engine,
00:11coaxial rotor utility helicopter built at the Milkomov National Helicopter Center near Moscow.
00:16The coaxial layout means two Contra rotating three-bladed rotors stacked on the same axis,
00:21no tail rotor, a design that gives it exceptional hover stability,
00:25high altitude performance, and a compact footprint suited for shipboard or mountain operation.
00:29What changed on this prototype is the engine. Gone are the French Saffron Arias 2G1 turboshafts.
00:35They've been replaced by the VK-650V, a domestic turboshaft developed by UEC Klimov under Rostek,
00:43rated at approximately 650 horsepower per engine. This is Russia's first indigenous power plant in
00:48the light helicopter class. Performance figures for the baseline Ka-226T put max takeoff weight
00:54around 3,600 kilograms, payload capacity near one ton, and a service ceiling potentially reaching
01:007,000 meters. A figure that makes it relevant for caucasus, Arctic, and high-altitude border
01:06operations where power margins on conventional designs can become critical.
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