Photo from the personal collection of Kostas Panitsidis

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In 1970, the designing of the combat I anti-ship Ka-27 helicopter, intended for replacement of the same applica­tion Ka-25 has began. In 1977-78, the new heli­copter has passed the state test and in 1979 was entered into series production at the Kumertau Aircraft Industrial Association.

On the base of Ka-27 the number of civil helicopters with new Ka-32 designation were developed.

Particularly, the Ka-32T transport helicopter, Ka-32C ship-based, multi-purpose emergency-rescue Ka-32A, fire-fighting Ka-32A1 and police Ka-32A2 have been developed. During the civil versions of the Ka-27 helicopter development, the number of purpose combat application systems were taken out from the structure of onboard equipment. At the same time, the air-frame, main onboard systems, power plant and lifting system were not actually changed.

The Ka-32A and Ka-32A1 are intended for the EMERCOM aviation units.

The Ka-32A helicopter is based on the Ka-32T. It is intended for passengers and car­goes transportation at the cargo cabin, large-size cargoes (up to 5000 kg) slung under fuse­lage transportation, evacuation of ill and injured, search and rescue and emergency-rescue works, and also for other problems solution. The development of this helicopter has begun in 1990, and it was certified under Russian airwor­thiness regulations in 1993. In 1994, the Ka-32A series production has began.

In the EMERCOM aviation, the Ka-32A emergency-rescue helicopters will be used, par­ticularly, in structure of the extra-action heli­copter complex (VKER). Each VKER shall include one Ka-32A helicopter, and also four Mi-8MTV and one Mi-26.

In the EMERCOM, the Ka-32A is supposed to be used for search and evacuation of the suffered at the external areas, mountains, from water surfaces, and also from marine and river boats. The helicopter is able to carry ΙΟ­Ι 2 rescues, and also emergency-rescue equipment and additional equipment to the place of disaster.

In 1993 the development of specialized fire-fighting Ka-32A1, for rescue people during high riser fires and for delivery of firemen and neces­sary fire-fighting equipment to the hard-assess buildings areas, has began.

The helicopter provides the observation and correction of firemen actions, fire fighting with various onboard equipment (including the "Bambi baket" suspended tank).
In 1994 the Ka-32A1 plant tests were fin­ished. The two of these helicopters, currently used for fire-fighting in Moscow, were manufac­tured at the "Kamov" firm.

FEATURES, The heli­copter is two-rotor, co-axial scheme. The main rotors are equipped with a folding system -3-blade, with hinged blades fastening. Blades of rectangular-shaped in plane with the spar, made of glass fiber plastics composites, rein­forced by carbon fibers. The 13 layered hon­eycomb filled sections is fastened to the spar. The main rotors sleeves are titanium-made and equipped with adjusted dampers with vibration dampening system. It is provides the considerable decreasing of vibration at the all flight modes.

Fuselage is semi-monocoque, made mostly from aluminum alloys. In a cargo cabin, sepa­rated from the pilot cockpit, the 13 alongside board folding seats are placed. In the left board of the cargo cabin there is a sliding door with dimensions of 1,2 x 1,2 m.
On the cargo cabin beam the system of the cargo external suspensions for carry of 5000 kg cargo and weighting equipment, is installed.

The four point landing gear - unretructable. Forward legs are self- positioned. Besides the wheels, the skids, ensuring operation from a soft ground and snow are installed. The installa­tion of fleats for water landing (a-27 type) is possible.

POWER PLANT consists of two TV3-117VMA turboshaft engines (take-off power -2x2200 h.p.) with automatic control.

The main reduction gearbox - planetary type, two-stage, with two free run couplings and main rotors brake.

The fuel system includes 10 fuel tanks with total capacity 3450 ltr, integrated into the left and right groups. Eight soft tanks are placed under the cabin floor, and two - in the external con­tainers on each side of fuselage (they can be dismantled if the external suspension for large-size cargoes is installed). The tanks filling is car­ried out through the filling gulfs or central fuelling union under pressure.

ONBOARD EQUIPMENT. The helicopter is equipped by the PKV-252-P flight complex. There is a four-channel autopilot, Doppler speed and drift meter, two VD-10 altimeters, VEM-72P altimeter.

The complex provides the flight modes automatic stabilization and automated helicopter control, including specific route flight, automat­ic landing approach, hanging 25 m above the landing area.

The SOS-BI-32 restraining signals system, intended for current values of maximum allowed speeds calculation and also for warning of max­imum allowed speed reaching is available.

For the crew organs of breathing and sight protection from the smoke and harmful gases during operation in the fire areas, the special purpose equipment, including oxygen tank and steam protection oxygen mask are provided.

Ka-32A1 is equipped with a system of the people carrying with three transport-rescue cabins (TSK), intended for evacuation from roofs, balconies or through windows of upper floors. The TSK-1 cabin provides two persons rescue and carried in the helicopter cargo cabin. The TSK-2 is able to carry up to 20 persons (delivered to the fire area on the automobile trailer). TSK-3 carried up to 10 persons. The folded TSK-3 can be transported in the heli­copter cargo cabin.

Ka-32A1 can be equipped by the Su-R descend system, intended for the people and car­goes air trooping in the hover mode (cord length - 50 m, air trooper or cargo weight - 100 Kg).

For fire fighting the "Bambi Baket" Canadian-made suspended tank, carrying on the external suspension, folded soft vessel of 5000 ltr with opened top can be used. It takes the water from neighboring reservoirs, transport and point drop of the water to the fire center (maximal flight speed of the helicopter with the tank - 150 km/h, the external suspension cable length - 30 m).

Onboard of the Ka-32A1 the seat for the fireman - operator, two additional headlights, ZWS loud-speaker system, and also two FM-radio stations (for communication with ground fire services) are provided.

The unique "water Gun" for high-precision water or foam supply to the fire center (for example, in the window of a building under fire) was tested at the Ka-32A1.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS