Russian Coast Guard Acquires State-of-the-Art Helicopters

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced plans to buy at least six light multirole Ka-226T helicopters for its Coast Guard, according to media reports.

The Coast Guard of the Russian FSB's Border Service will purchase at least six light multirole Ka-226T helicopters, which will be used as a deck choppers for Project 22460's patrol ships.

Кa-226

© Sputnik / Ruslan Krivobok

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In addition to the basic configuration, the six helicopters will reportedly be equipped with the folding seats in the transportation cab, a turret for mounting automatic small arms with a caliber of up to 7.62 millimeters, instrument flying blinds and mooring equipment for the transportation of cargo, and rescue equipment.

Ka-226T

© Flickr / jv.bhasker

The total value of the contract is expected to stand at approximately 2.3 billion US dollars.

Ka-226 is seen during field emergency removal training exercises involving Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry and Interior Ministry units.

© Sputnik / Anton Denisov

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Designed in 2008, the Ka-226T is an advanced modification of the Ka-226 multirole helicopter, which has a maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour.

It is capable of carrying a payload of 1,050-1,100 kilograms in its bay or on its external mounting.

The helicopter is equipped with an Arrius 2G1 engine produced by French company Turbomeca. It also has a new powertrain and modern onboard electronics.

With a maximum take-off weight of about 4,000 tons, the Ka-226T is mainly designed for cargo and passenger transportation to hard-to-reach mountainous areas as well as rescue and patrol operations.