Business

Rostec Started Flight Tests of the Upgraded Ka-32A11M Fire-fighting Helicopter

The upgraded Ka-32A11M fire–fighting helicopter produced by Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) took off for the first time and began flight tests. The rotorcraft fitted with new engines, radio-electronic equipment and fire extinguishing system is to undergo preliminary and certification tests in 2022-2023, after which it will be available for Russian and foreign customers.

The first flight of the Ka-32A11M took place in hover mode at the flight-testing complex of the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (KAPE) in Bashkortostan.

“Modernization is significantly expanding the capabilities of one of the world’s best fire-fighting helicopters, Ka-32, аnd we are planning to complete certification of the Ka-32A11M in 2023. After that, the rotocraft with the latest electronics and firefighting system will be available for Russian and foreign customers,” said Andrey Boginsky, Director General of the Russian Helicopters.

Ka-32A11M was first presented at the MAKS-2021 Aviation and Space Salon. The modernization program of Ka-32 includes equipping it with a “glass cockpit” with an onboard avionics system, more powerful VK-2500PS-02 engines, and a new fire extinguishing system. VK-2500PS-02 engines will significantly improve flight performance of the helicopter in hot and mountainous environments. According to calculations of engineers, helicopter load-carrying capacity in such conditions can be increased by the value of about 1600 kg.

Technical solutions used in the “glass cockpit” of Ka-32A11M have already been tested on the Ansat and Mi-38 civil multipurpose helicopters; they will greatly facilitate the operation of additional navigation, optoelectronic and search equipment, which can be installed on the helicopter. It will also be possible to work with night vision goggles.

“Russian Helicopters” to present a record number of rotorcraft at Dubai Airshow 2021

A new SP-32 fire extinguishing system developed by specialists from National Helicopter Center Мil&Kamov and KAPE has a number of significant advantages. A new tank holds 4 tons of water and is divided into four compartments. The patented flap system with digital control allows the flaps to be opened in pairs or alternately, as well as the opening angles of the flaps to be adjusted, thereby increasing the water discharge time.

The fire extinguishing system can automatically draw 4 tons of water in 60 seconds and add up to 400 liters of foam agent and is adapted for the use of a water cannon. In addition, all SP-32 systems are electrically heated, and that is why SP-32 is the first system in the world that can be used in winter conditions at temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rNET60PdCM

Coaxial design of the Ka-32 helicopter provides stable hover mode and excellent crosswind stability. In addition, the absence of a tail rotor reduces the size of the helicopter, making it more maneuverable. These features provide special advantages for operating in mountain and forest areas, as well as in dense urban environment. Ka-32 is capable not only of extinguishing fires, but also of performing high-precision construction and installation operations, medical, search and rescue missions and of transporting cargo. It is well suited for high-humidity conditions and is particularly resistant to aggressive marine environments. Ka-32 characteristics allow it to fly in high turbulence and storm winds.

Airbus A400M completes helicopter air-to-air refueling Certification

Mass production of the Ka-32 helicopters has been launched at KAPE. As for now, more than 240 helicopters have been built there. They operate in more than 30 countries, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Indonesia, Spain, Canada, Kazakhstan, China, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, Switzerland, South Korea and Japan.

Business

Lunar and SAS partner to launch Scandinavia’s first debit card with EuroBonus points

SAS and Lunar, two Scandinavian corporations, have forged a new alliance. Today, they are introducing the first debit card in Scandinavia that lets you earn EuroBonus points.

Users earn EuroBonus points on everyday purchases

On everyday transactions made without using credit, such as grocery store trips, morning coffee, and summertime activities. In this new collaboration, two recognisable Scandinavian businesses combine digital innovation with a strong Scandinavian tradition.

Scandinavians now have access to the first debit card in the country, where users can earn EuroBonus points on everyday purchases, thanks to the combination of Lunar’s cutting-edge and user-friendly banking app and SAS’ well-liked EuroBonus programme.

The new debit card is available to all EuroBonus members as well as Lunar users in Scandinavia. If you are not a EuroBonus member you can easily sign up via flysas.com to unlock a world of benefits and gain access to everything from SAS flights to hotel stays, upgrades and different quality products in the SAS EuroBonus shop. If you are not a Lunar user, you can sign up within minutes through the Lunar app – perhaps while waiting to board your next flight.

New Lunar users receive up to 6,000 welcome points.

The debit card is available both as a physical and a digital card, allowing users to use it whenever and wherever it suits them best. For every 100 DKK spent on the debit card, users earn 8 EuroBonus points. New Lunar users receive 3,000 welcome points, and the first 10,000 users get 6,000 points.

The card can be ordered via Lunar’s banking app from June 18, 2024.

About Lunar

Lunar is a digital challenger bank that makes it easy for businesses and individuals to manage their finances by building the best Nordic everyday bank. Founded in Aarhus, Lunar today employs 450 people across the Nordics. In 2019, Lunar received a banking license and is now one of the few banks with a Nordic banking platform. Lunar currently has over 900,000 private and business customers in the Nordics. www.lunar.dk

About SAS

SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, with main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, flies to destinations in Europe, USA and Asia. Spurred by a Scandinavian heritage and sustainability values, SAS aims to be the driving force in sustainable aviation and in the transition toward net zero emissions. We are continuously reducing our carbon emissions through using more sustainable aviation fuel, investing in new fuel-efficient aircraft and technology innovation together with partners – thereby contributing towards the industry target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. In addition to flight operations, SAS offers ground handling services, technical maintenance and air cargo services. www.sasgroup.net