MOSCOW. Oct 22 (Interfax-AVN) - The flight tests have started of the Kamov Ka-60U training helicopter intended to provide advanced training to helimen and improve their combat employment skills, a source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax-AVN on Monday.
"As soon as the preliminary tests are over, the official trials will start, and their endurance will depend primarily on the number of test vehicles available," he said, noting that the terms of the preliminary tests depend largely on the funding of the program.
"I believe the preliminary tests will take about two or three quarters of a year," he said, adding that the construction of two test vehicles was sponsored mostly by the Defense Ministry, but the developed also contributed to the funding.
The program is delayed due to the lack of funding to fine-tune the RD-600 engines installable in the aircraft, he emphasized, noting that Ka-60 helicopters feature a high content of composites in the airframe, reaching 60%.
The takeoff weight of the three-seated version KA-60U is 5,860 kilos. It has the max speed of about 300 km/h and the flight range of up to 700 km.