Ka-32 (helicopter). Characteristics and photos

The fate of helicopters in the USSR is interesting in that, despite a somewhat belated start to their production, Soviet designers have made great progress. Two design offices, Milya and Kamova, demonstrated to the whole world the possibilities of Soviet aviation technologies. An example of the successful work of Soviet engineers can serve as the Ka-32, a helicopter ahead of time in many respects.

Kamov and his style

On the basis of an experienced aircraft factory, which has nothing to say to the uninitiated number 290, in 1948, KB was created, with the same little name "No. 5". There is nothing surprising in all these indices, in the Stalin years and less important enterprises could be classified, and then, as it turned out much later, they built autogyros, almost forgotten aircraft these days. Allied forces in the recently defeated World War II have already used rotorcraft, helicopters, is not yet very widespread, but enough to enable IV. Stalin understood the prospects of a new type of flying equipment. Aviation "father of the peoples" loved, it was under his vigilant control. Headed by the Bureau instructed N.I. Kamov, already in 1940, managed to design and build the A-7, gyroplane.

From the very beginning, KB has established its own style, according to which Kamov's helicopters are easily recognized today. The main feature of them can be considered a coaxial scheme, in which both rotor screws rotate on the opposite, mutually compensating for the torque. The steering propeller is not needed in this case.

Sea Soul

Not every helicopter is capable of performing tasks at sea. Of course, we are not talking about flights along the shore line with ground-based bases, but that the machine was serviced in ship conditions, stood on an open platform (in the aft part of the ship) and served the current requirements for reconnaissance and alerting the naval command. Technical regulations in this case are seriously complicated, splashes of salt water and severe atmospheric influences can adversely affect the operation of mechanisms, assemblies and units. The Soviet military doctrine of the late forties in terms of possible ocean operations was in the state of development, therefore the Kamov bureau has worked in two directions since its inception. First, the machines developed here should be suitable for use on aircraft carriers. Secondly, their purpose, because of the uncertainty of future intentions, was assumed to be broad, that is, multi-purpose. These requirements were met by the Ka-8, Ka-15, Ka-25, Ka-26 and especially the Ka-32 helicopter, most suitable for seamen, firemen, builders and many other peaceful workers working in the most difficult conditions, in Including in the humid climate, from polar latitudes to the tropics.

How to make a peaceful car from an anti-submarine?

As it often happens, the machine was originally created as a combat vehicle. The advantage of this approach is that the main costly development work is done at the expense of the defense budget, and in the USSR it was large. To convert a ready-made aircraft, of course, you need to make certain changes to the project, but the costs for them are not so great as creating the whole car. The basic model was the ship anti-submarine Ka-27, R & D began in 1969, their result was the Ka-32, the helicopter is absolutely civil and peaceful. A powerful engine and a successful scheme have made it possible to adapt it to the most diverse pressing needs of the national economy. In terms of universality, reliability and technical capabilities of the world's analogs, he has not.

Device

The two-screw co-axial scheme, traditional for Kamov's models, was also useful for Ka-32. The helicopter is easy to control, gas turbine engines (two of them) for 2,200 horsepower inherited from the "battle past", as well as the hinged system of fastening the blades, allowing them to be folded to reduce sail in the event of a storm and reduce the amount occupied. Three doors ensure the quickness of the crew's occupancy of their seats and the ease of loading and unloading. The chassis consists of four supports, on which it is possible to attach special cylinders if necessary to sit on the water. The floor of the Ka-32 has mooring devices intended for securing cargo weighing up to four tons inside the cargo compartment. In general, like many KAM vehicles, the circuit makes it possible to use all the space behind the pilot cabin to the very tail end and below the power plant.

What can Ka-32 do?

For aviation specialists, the opportunities offered by a small Ka-32 have become a surprise. The characteristics are impressive, with a fuselage length of just over 12 meters, it easily accommodates a cargo weighing over 3.7 tons. When using an external suspension, this parameter can be increased to 5 tons. This machine raises almost as much as driving itself at a vertical speed of 15 m / s. The cargo can be delivered to any point within a radius of 900 km. The passenger capacity is 16 people. The speed may seem small to someone, "only" 230 cruising and 260 km / h maximum, but after all the device was created not for racing, and even the original military-antisubmarine version of the Ka-27 was aimed at finding submarines, which requires a certain slow pace . But the ceiling of 6,000 meters provides security, even in the event of serious atmospheric problems.

Versions

The machine was so successful that it found application in many branches of the national economy of the USSR, as well as abroad. The tasks of the Ka-32 can solve a wide variety. Initially, the helicopter began to be built in two main versions, the transport (Ka-32T) and intended for operation on fishing and polar fleet vessels (Ka-32S). At the same time, the transport modification could easily be converted into a flying ambulance, for this purpose the cabin provided for the possibility of installing ten seats or four stretchers for the injured, and a full sanitary variant was obtained.

Ka-32S is designed for ice reconnaissance and maintenance of caravans led by an icebreaker in polar latitudes, special equipment for aerial photography and navigation was mounted on it.

Another "flying crane" was developed on the basis of Ka-32. The Ministry of Emergency Situations was interested in the ability of this machine to lift various objects on the winch and do it extremely delicately. A winch with a cable, equipped with a special soothing device, ensures a careful attitude to everything that is delivered to the side of the car, and this can be people.

Ka-32 helicopter, fire fighting version

Tons of payload can be liquid. The need for a car capable of extinguishing fires in our country is great, especially given the increased tendency to multi-storey construction. In addition to ordinary water, a special foam can be injected into a special tank, suspended instead of a cargo or passenger cabin, designed to create fire retardant barriers. In addition, the machine has the ability to evacuate people who are in fire captivity.

Ka-32 for export

The success of the design of the car is confirmed by the success that it enjoys in the world air shows, in which the Ka-32 helicopter was exhibited and demonstrated. Photo of the rotorcraft with South Korean, Canadian, Malaysian or Swiss recognition marks does not surprise anyone. A feature of this model of the Soviet and Russian aircraft building school is traditionally the reliability, ease of management and ease of training for foreign pilots.

Modification and modernization potential of the car is high, it can install the most modern avionics as it appears, which provides Ka-32 a long celestial life.