Russian Helicopters has delivered the first two repaired Kumertau Aviation Production-built Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters to India.
These two Ka-31 helicopters are part of the six aircraft that were sent to Kumertau for comprehensive repairs.
India received nine Ka-31 helicopters in 2004 and six of them needed repairs before their first scheduled overhaul.
The remaining four airliners are due to be delivered in the near future, Russian Helicopters stated.
The Kamov Ka-31 helicopter features a large early warning radar antenna under the central body of the craft and a simplified bulky electro-optical sensory suite beneath the cockpit.
It is designed for the radar protection of air and sea space, the early detection of ships or low-flying aerial targets.
The helicopter is intended for long-range detection of air targets and can track up to 40 air and ground targets. Moreover, it will significantly enhance the fleet’s airborne and surface-based detection capabilities.
Its equipment is capable of identifying the detected targets, and capturing details regarding their location and trajectory, transferring information on the radar situation to vessels and armed forces’ command posts.
The long-range early warning system in these helicopters was developed on the basis of the Ka-29 military transport helicopter and it can be deployed on ships and coastal aerodromes, the company stated.
India has received a total of 14 Ka-31 helicopters and aspecial service centre has been established in the centre of Goa, India, for their maintenance.
Image: A total of six Ka-31 helicopters were sent to Kumertau for comprehensive repairs. Photo: courtesy of Russian Helicopters.
