Arctic & Northern Aviation
Dateline: January 30, 2024.
The Kamov Ka-32 was built by the National Helicopter Center, with headquarters in Moscow. It is the civilian version of the Ka-28 Helix, which entered service with the Soviet Navy in April 1981. The Ka-32 was built in both freight and passenger configurations - up to 16 passengers could be carried in that role. As a freighter, 4,000 kg could be carried in the cabin, or 5,000 kg on a sling.
The Ka-32A has a contrarotating coaxial rotor rather than the more common main rotor and tail rotor. The coaxial rotor has two 3-bladed rotors 15.9 meters in diameter. The blades are of composite construction and fold for times the helicopter is based on a ship deck. Being built largely of titanium and composites, the entire helicopter is highly corrosion resistant and so suitable for maritime use.
The development of the Ka-32 prototype began in 1969 and it took its maiden flight in 1973. The first operational Ka-32 completed its maiden flight in October 1980, and it was first displayed internationally at the Paris Air Show in June 1985. The first flight of the civilian Ka-32A took place in 1990.
This brochure was published in 1990 by Aviaexport, an organization created in 1961 by the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Trade, for the purpose of facilitating the export of civilian planes, helicopters and aviation hardware, organizing technical assistance to foreign institutions and companies in the operation of such equipment, and training relevant specialists.
