Ka-32 i kinesiske farger
MOSCOW—Russian Helicopters has unveiled the modernization package for the coaxial Kamov Ka-32 utility helicopter, the only Russian rotorcraft that has a type certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The modernization program was presented at the HeliRussia helicopter industry exhibition here last week.
The upgraded version is dubbed Ka-32A11M and will feature a glass cockpit, improved engines and new firefighting system. The cockpit displayed at the exhibition included three multifunctional LCD displays and a new data processor. The displays have been developed by Russian KRET Corporation and already are in use on light Ansat helicopters. Some avionics elements have also been tested on other new rotorcraft like the medium Ka-62 and heavy Mi-38.
Another vital improvement is modern Klimov VK-2500PC-02 engines, which replace TV3-117 turboshafts. They are equipped with full-authority digital engine control and antisurge control, but their main advantage is increased time between overhauls. 
As Ka-32 chief designer Shamil Suleymanov explained to Aerospace DAILY, the previous powerplants required inspections every 800 hr. during intensive heli-logging operations. The VK-2500PC-02 has no such restrictions while its usual time between overhauls is expanded from 2,000 to 3,000 hr. This could decrease the cost per flying hour of the new version by 50% compared to the baseline Ka-32, Suleymanov said.
The firefighting system will receive a new SP-32 water tank able to carry 4 tons of water. It will have a digital control and heating system to allow it to operate it in winter.
A representative of Russian Helicopters said last year that the modernization effort would increase Ka-32 maximum takeoff weight by 300 kg (660 lb.) to 11,300 kg. It will also increase the externally carried payload by the same 300 kg to 5,300 kg. The cruise speed will remain 245 kph.
The first two modernized helicopters are to be assembled and delivered to an undisclosed customer at the end of 2019, Suleymanov said. He explained that the upgrade package can also be installed on the existing Ka-32 fleet.
The Ka-32 is a civil derivative of the Ka-27 Helix antisubmarine warfare helicopter. Deliveries of the type started in the 1980s. The Ka-32A11BC variant (where BC stands for British Columbia, as it was initially developed for Canada’s VIH Helicopters) was certified by Transport Canada and EASA.
Russian Helicopters reports that more than 140 aircraft of the type have been assembled so far. They are operated in more than 30 countries, including Canada, China, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland for heli-logging, construction work, firefighting and search-and-rescue missions. The largest civilian operator is South Korea, which has more than 60 helicopters of the type, used by both military and civilian operators.