Rostec’s modernised rotorcraft takes maiden voyage
The Ka-226T has a new rotor head, blades and main gearbox. (Photo: Rostec State Corporation)
The modernised Ka-226T flew for the first time during flight tests at the Mil and Kamov National Helicopter Centre.
The most advanced Ka-226T light helicopter developed by Rostec’s subsidiary, Russian Helicopters Holding Company, has commenced flight tests and made its first flight.
The new Ka-266T is the first Russian rotorcraft with fully digital design documentation.
The modernised helicopter was displayed for the first time at MAKS-2021 and the international debut of the Ka-226T abroad will take place at Dubai Airshow 2021.
Due to the helicopter’s suitability for operation at altitudes of up to 6.5km, the Ka-226T was given the working title ‘The Climber’.
It differs from previous models with its new design of the airframe and fuselage with enhanced aerodynamic characteristics and the modern lightweight materials used for the hull.
Ka-226T has a coaxial main rotor design which provides good controllability in thin air, resistance to strong side winds, high rate of climb and take-off / land-on ability at high altitudes.
Serial production of the upgraded Ka-66T helicopter is scheduled to begin in 2022 at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the first serially produced Ka-226T, built for the Russian Emergencies Ministry, was demonstrated at the HeliRussia exhibition in 2013.
In mid-December 2014 during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, an agreement was signed that is expected to lead to licensed production of the Ka-226T in the latter country.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled
During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased.
-
![Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet]()
Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet
The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
-
![Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract]()
Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract
The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
-
![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement
The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
