Ka-32 (NATO designation: Helix) is a multipurpose helicopter designed to conduct air surveillance, search and rescue operations over land and sea, transport people and cargo. The co-axial rotors allow very controlled, stable and precise flight, allowing the helicopter to carry loads with minimum deviation from the designated location, for example in narrow canyons and to allow precise placement of heavy loads for construction. The first flight of the civilian version of the aircraft took place in 1990. In 2009, the helicopter received certification of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); it has also been certified in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea.
The helicopter has internal useful load of 4,000 kg (approx. 8,820 lbs) and can carry 5,000 (approx. 11,025 lbs) on external sling. It has service ceiling of 5,000 m (approx. 16,405 ft) and range of 850 km (approx. 459 nmi). Its maximum passenger capacity is 16.
The helicopter is an excellent choice for operations involving external sling, including firefighting, construction, and logging. It operates well above land and sea.
