Russian Helicopters intends to fly its second Kamov Ka-62 prototype next month as it looks to bring the developmental medium-twin back on track following earlier programme delays.
"Starting from December we plan to use the second flight model," said chief executive Andrey Boginsky, speaking through an interpreter at the Dubai air show. "It is now in the final stages of production."
A third flight-test article will arrive in the first quarter of 2018, he says, with no further aircraft likely to be required. "I think three will likely suffice as of now."
Powered by twin Safran Helicopter Engines Ardiden 3G powerplants, the Ka-62 made its first flight on 25 May this year following a short hover flight about 12 months earlier.
Russian Helicopters had originally scheduled the maiden sortie of the 6.5t Ka-62 in 2013, but the date has repeatedly slipped. Service entry is now set for 2020.
In addition, the company has frozen the development of a potential replacement for the venerable Mil Mi-8, says Boginsky, seeing no immediate requirement for a helicopter in the 10t class.
"There will be a demand for such a helicopter and we have seen some interest from Leonardo [in collaborating] but for now anything in this direction is still frozen," he says.
However, Leonardo plays down any interest in involvement, saying that any discussions had only ever been at a very preliminary stage.
For all the coverage from the Dubai air show visit our dedicated event page
Source: Flight Daily News
