Helikopter - Effektiv vannbomber

Friday, June 19, 2015

Russian Helicopters' Ka-32A11BC in Active Fire-Fighting Service Throughout Europe

Rotorcraft produced by Russian Helicopters are actively involved in fire-fighting operations in Spain, Portugal and other countries within Europe. The multirole Ka-32A11BC is capable of reaching the scene of the blaze in record time and delivering about 5 tonnes of water to extinguish a fire.

 

Photo courtesy of Russian Helicopters

The season of heightened fire risk in the Iberian peninsula begins each year from the middle of May and lasts through until October. Throughout this period, about 20 Ka-32A11BC helicopters are based near water bodies across the peninsula. The main fire zones are situated in Seville and Valencia in Southern Spain. During the season, a single helicopter completes 300 flying hours. At times, the helicopters have to complete complex operations for 14 hours per day. Depending on the distance between the fire and the body of water, a helicopter can complete between five and 30 trips per hour.

 

Photo courtesy of Russian Helicopters

The fire-fighting model can be extinguish fires using a Bambi bucket or water cannon. The Ka-32A11BC meets AP-29 requirements and in 2009 was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The helicopter has been certified in Brazil, Canada, China, India and other countries. In December 2012, it received a certificate of airworthiness in Australia.