MOSCOW. March 14 (Interfax-AVN) - Two Arrius 2G turboshaft engines produced by France's Turbomeca will be delivered to Kamov, a Russian helicopter producer, for its KA-226 Hoodlum light multipurpose helicopter, a competent source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax-Military News Agency Friday.
The source said that the agreement had been signed in order to expand the market of the aircraft and have a range of optional engines.
According to the source, the Arrius 2G (500-550hp) a special KA-226-intended derivative of the Arrius 2K, as all modern engines, has FADEC (fully automatic digital engine control) system.
"Fitted to the KA-226, the French engines, at the announced power, will better the performances of the helicopter in high- altitude and high-temperature environment," the source said.
He said that the Arrius 2G was planned for a broad- cooperation production in Russia. The Moscow-based Salyut machine- building enterprise and the Saturn research and production association are considered candidates for the project.
Experts say the demand for the helicopter within up to 2010 may be up to 400 pieces. Options and agreements on the procurement of 65 KA-226s are already available. The helicopter has aroused interest abroad, in particular, among Hungarian, Brazilian, and South Korean experts. Some other states have also requested information.
The KA-226 light helicopter is intended for transportation of up to nine passengers. It has a maximal take-off weight of 3,400kg. The maximum payload is up to 1,400kg in the cabin and up to 1,500kg on outer suspension. The maximum speed is 205kmph, the cruise speed is 194kmph, and the operational range is up to 600km. The operational time is up to 4 hours 34 minutes (up to 6 hours 45 minutes with additional fuel tanks).