Bashkiria-made fire-fighting helicopter Ka-32A11M had its first take-off

The upgraded Ka-32A11M fire-fighting helicopter took off for the first time and began flight tests at the KumAPP flight test complex in Bashkiria. As the press service of the Russian Helicopters Holding of the Rostec state corporation told reporters, the helicopter performed its first flight in hover mode.

"The modernization significantly expands the capabilities of one of the best fire-fighting helicopters in the world, the Ka-32. We plan to complete the certification of the Ka-32A11M in 2023. After that, the vehicle with the latest electronics and fire extinguishing system will be available for Russian and foreign customers," the holding informs.

The Head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov shared details about the Ka-32A11M helicopter on his social media. According to him, this model is equipped with new engines, elements for which are also produced in Bashkortostan, at "UEC-UMPO". In addition, the helicopter has the most modern electronic equipment and the SP-32 fire extinguishing system. It automatically collects 4 tons of water in 60 seconds and can add up to 400 liters of foam agent to it. A water cannon is also available. All SP-32 systems are electrically heated, which, for the first time in the world, allows these helicopters to be used in winter conditions at temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius.

"I am grateful to the management of the Russian Helicopters holding of the Rostec State Corporation for supporting our KumAPP in a challenging, almost pre-bankruptcy period. We have retained and increased our team, opened a new production facility. Moreover, now we are expanding the product line. I must say, not only we are waiting for the Ka-32A11M. Orders for it have already been received from several regions of Russia and from abroad", Radiy Khabirov posted.