Saw a documentary on Russian TV (we get it on digital services in the UK) recently about one of those vast forest areas they have.
Usually, the venerable old Mil 8 is used to ferry visitors around the Russian republics, but I was surprised to see a two-rotor Kamov in civilian use.
The Mil seems to last forever, so must be a good whirlybird. Perhaps the Kamov is, too?
bri 🙂
By: mike currill - 18th February 2011 at 10:52
Lots of Kamov co-axials still in use – both with the Russian Navy and in civilian use.
The good lifting capability of the Kamov design has seen it is widespread use as a flying crane and in the logging industry.
The Ka-27 is the main naval variant – with the Ka-29 being used in the naval assault role.
The civil variant is the Ka-32 – check out the Heliswiss website.
Kamov’s own website is here
Ken
They also seem very popular with the russian forestry fire people as flying fire tenders.
By: Kenneth - 18th February 2011 at 10:28
I’ve seen a Heliswiss Ka-32 in operation a couple of times, and according to a ground crew member, it is particularly suitable as a flying crane because its counter-rotating, coaxial rotors result in the fuselage being essentially perfectly level (in roll) when in the hover, thus rendering it more simple to “aim” the load.
By: bri - 18th February 2011 at 09:30
Flanker man I too am a Russian aircraft enthusiast – space vehicles too!
The simplicity of Russian design is something I find appealing (if that’s the right word) and interesting too. Although you have to take some of their statements about the origins of inventions with a pinch of salt.
Such a ‘peasant’ mentality in the west could save loadsa money!
bri 😀
By: Flanker_man - 16th February 2011 at 14:57
Lots of Kamov co-axials still in use – both with the Russian Navy and in civilian use.
The good lifting capability of the Kamov design has seen it is widespread use as a flying crane and in the logging industry.
The Ka-27 is the main naval variant – with the Ka-29 being used in the naval assault role.
The civil variant is the Ka-32 – check out the Heliswiss website.
Kamov’s own website is here
Ken
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February 16, 2011 at 1:59 pm