Kazan Helicopters has rolled out the first military example of its Ansat light utility helicopter, which has been selected to meet a pilot training requirement within the Russian air force.
First state funding was provided earlier this year, with the air force to acquire an initial batch of the aircraft under an allocation in Russia's 2005 defence budget. The air force says it needs the Ansat to replace Mil Mi-8 transports used at its flying schools since the withdrawal of the Mi-2 trainer. The air force selected the 3,500kg (7,720lb) -class Kazan design over a rival Ka-226Aproposal from Russia's Kamov.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207K engines, the military trainer features dual flight controls, redesigned doors, an enlarged nose cone and avionics provided by Russia's KB Avionika and RPKB Ramenskoye. Future production examples could be powered by Russian Klimov VK800 or ZMKB Progress AI-450 engines.
Kazan expects the Ansat to receive CIS AP-29 type certification in December after completing the last 80 sorties in a 600-flight certification programme, says company general director Aleksandr Lavrentiev. The development programme has so far totalled Rb500 million ($17 million), with a further Rb100 million required to complete certification activities.
Five Ansat prototypes have flown since 1999, and four production examples are in final assembly at Kazan, scheduled for completion by year-end. Kazan has already signed deals to supply the South Korean government with at least five Ansats as part of a state debt repayment, while Russia's state ministry for emergencies and UT Air say they will sign contracts once certification for the type is secured.
VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / KAZAN
Source: Flight International
