Kamov Ka-226

Ka-226
Ka-226T at MAKS 2005
Role	Light utility
National origin	Russia
Manufacturer	Kamov
First flight	4 September 1997
Introduction	2002
Status	Active Service
Primary users	Russian Air Force Indian Air Force
Number built	69 (2013)
Unit cost	$4,200,000 (2007)
Developed from	Kamov Ka-126

The Kamov Ka-226 is a small, twin-engined Russian utility helicopter. The Ka-226 features an interchangeable mission pod, rather than a conventional cabin, allowing the use of various accommodation or equipment configurations. The Ka-226 entered service in 2002. Variants of the Ka-226 have the NATO reporting name of Hoodlum.

A twin turbine version of the successful reciprocating-engined Kamov Ka-26, (the Kamov Ka-126 is the single turbine version) the Ka-226 was initially announced in 1990. Originally developed to meet the requirements of the Russian disaster relief ministry, the aircraft first flew on 4 September 1997. Certification to Russian AP-29 "A" and "B" transport categories was granted on 31 October 2003. The Ka-226 entered production at "Motor Sich", Zaporozhye, Ukraine.

In December 2014 it was reported that India is in agreement with the Russian Federation to produce on its territory Mi-17 and Ka-226T. Under a 2011 contract with Russian Ministry of Defence, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise completed production of a batch of Ka-226.80 helicopters, which was delivered to the customer on 17 April 2015. "The planned scope of the assignment of state contract signed with the Ministry of Defence in 2011 fully implemented with ahead of schedule deliveries. Prematurely delivered a large consignment of helicopters. Previously, under the state contract with the Russian Defence Ministry were also delivered several Ka-226.80 batches", - said the Managing Director of Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (KumAPP) Viktor Novikov.

In April 2015 Certification of Ka-226T light multi-role helicopter powered by Turbomeca Arrius 2G engines (France) has been successfully completed in Russia. Two Ka-226T helicopters took part in the flight test programme. The version of Ka-226T powered by Turbomeca Arrius 2G engines offers much better performance compared to production Ka-226s powered by Allison 250-C20R/2 engines. It was reported earlier that deliveries of Ka-226 helicopters manufactured by Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (Ka-226.50 and Ka-226.80 versions) and powered by Allison 250-C20R/2 engines were started in 2005. The helicopters were delivered to the Federal Security Service of Russian Federation (at least six vehicles), Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (11 vehicles), Russian air forces (a total of 36 helicopters should be delivered) and Ukrainian Ministry of Emergency Situations (1 helicopter). Next year the enterprise will start implementation of a contract for delivery of 18 Ka-226TG helicopters to Gazpromavia.