Kazan Helicopters receives official certification for external hook for firefighting and cargo

Kazan Helicopters, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters, has received approval from the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) to equip its Ansat aircraft with an external hook.

The approval enables Kazan Helicopters to equip its Ansat multipurpose light helicopters for functions such as firefighting and heavy cargo transport.

The external sling increases the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight from 3600kg to 3800kg, with a one tonne sling load capacity, enabling Ansats to be equipped with a ‘spill-through’ water bucket.

The approval follows the completion of tests at the Kazan Helicopter plant in which the aircraft successfully carried 600kg of cargo using the cargo hook to an altitude of 3.7km, travelling at a speed of 180km/h.

The external hook is the latest new component certified for the rotorcraft

Alongside the new external hook, Rosaviatsiya has also certified the installation of new ‘bearpaw’ landing gear for the Ansat, which will enable it to land on soft surfaces.

“Our task is to make the Ansat a universal helicopter capable of performing a wide range of tasks,” said Nikolai Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters. “The expansion of optional solutions also increases the search and rescue functions of Ansat.

“In 2020, the first Ansat joined the fleet of the Northwest Aviation Rescue Center, and we expect that the new capabilities of Ansat will become the basis for further increasing cooperation with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia,” he added.

It follows Rosaviatsia’s certification of several other pieces of equipment for Ansat helicopters designed to improve the aircraft’s search and rescue capabilities. This includes the approval of a new boom with a winch capable of loading and unloading cargo weighing up to 272kg in April 2021.

Russian Helicopters also announced the delivery of four medical helicopters to the State Transport and Leasing Company (GTLK), including one Kazan Ansat on 3 December.