Kamov Helicopters continues to seek increased cooperation with the U.S. and other Western helicopter and engine manufacturers. In late January, the Russian firm hosted a Western delegation with representatives from Rolls-Royce at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency also met with top management of OPK Oboronprom, Kamov and Kamov-Holding.

During the visit, the group paid special attention to the developmental program for the single-engine Ka-226. Rolls-Royce is contracted to supply 50 additional 250-C20R engines for the program this year. Production of the Ka-226 started in 2004 and Kamov is now seeking FAA certification for the 7,840-pound helicopter.

Oboronprom helicopter programs director Viktor Grigoriev said of the meeting, “The positive experience of our partnership with Rolls-Royce will not only contribute to the Ka-226 helicopter’s position in the world market but will help promotion of our other products, too. This confirms our great willingness to cooperate with the international and American business communities in this field.” Oboronprom is an aerospace holding company (51 percent owned by the Russian government) that has stakes in Mil, Kazan, Rostvertol, Ulan-Ude and Kamov.

Meanwhile, two Ka-32A11BC helicopters owned by Spanish operator Helicopteros del Sureste have been contracted by Forestal Mininco of Chile for three months of firefighting in the South American country. Kamov has delivered four Ka-32A11BCs to Helicopteros del Sureste since 2004 and signed a contract for four more last year. The model is certified in Russia, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea and Mexico.