Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) will present a modernised Ka-32A11M fire-fighting helicopter at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon, held in Zhukovsky near Moscow in July.

Ka-32 modernisation program includes a glass cockpit with an avionics system, more powerful VK-2500PS-02 engines and a new fire extinguishing system.

"Ka-32 is recognised all over the world as one of the best helicopters for firefighting work. Nevertheless, even the best models need timely modernisation. We have managed to preserve the outstanding flight performance of the model, supplementing it with modern avionics and a new, more efficient and multifunctional fire extinguishing system. A prototype of Ka-32A11M will be present at the MAKS-2021 air show and we are planning to start supplying the aircraft as early as next year", stressed Director General of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky.

The technical solutions used in the new glass cockpit of Ka-32A11M have already been tested on Ansat and Mi-38 civil multipurpose helicopters, and will facilitate the work with additional navigation, optoelectronic and search equipment that can be installed on the helicopter. Pilots will also be able to use night vision goggles.

With the new VK-2500PS-02 engines, the rotorcraft will perform significantly better in hot and mountainous environments. According to design calculations, its load capacity in such conditions will increase by 1600 kg.