Iran Plans To Build Russian Ka-32 Helicopters Under License

Iran Plans To Build Russian Ka-32 Helicopters Under License (NSI News Source Info) KISH ISLAND, Iran - November 1, 2008: Iran is planning to manufacture over 50 Russian-designed Ka-32 helicopters under a production license, an Iranian aircraft industry official said on Wednesday.

KA-32 Helix helicopter is produced in two variants: KA-32C -ship-based variant and the KA-32T- transport variant. The KA-32 helicopter has been developed on the basis of the unique experience gained in the process of creation and operational use of ship-bome helicopters, and is capable to successfully operate in the conditions of the Far North and tropical latitudes, day and night, in complicated weather conditions

Ka-32 is a civilian version of the Russian Ka-27 military helicopter developed by the Kamov design bureau. "We have long been considering the Kamov helicopter manufacturer as our partner...and we are planning to sign a contract on the licensed production of at least 50 Ka-32 helicopters [in Iran]," the managing director of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), Majid Hedayat, said at the Iran Air Show 2008. Ka-32 is a 12-ton aircraft than can carry up to four tons of payload. It can stay in the air about four hours per sortie and cruises at 205 kilometers an hour. The Ka-27 has been used by the Russian navy since the 1970s. There are fears in the West that with the ability to manufacture the Ka-32, Iran could easily convert them back to their original Ka-27 military configuration. IAIO will also manufacture 100 advanced Tu-214 and Tu-204 airliners with a 210-passenger capacity in cooperation with Russia within the next 10 years.