The Ansat helicopter is a light multi-purpose model designed for civilian, specialized and military use. The domestic analogue of the Eurocopter was developed by the Kazan Aviation Plant. Helicopter can have various options: from the transportation of passengers and goods, to patrolling and rescue operations.
History of creation
The Ansat helicopter, whose characteristics are not inferior to analogues of foreign production, began to be designed at KAZ in 1996. A year later, the first prototype was assembled, which took off on August 17, 1999. Kazan Aviation Plant relied on this model, focusing on its creation the main resources of the enterprise.
For several years, work was underway on its certification. In 2013, the International Aviation Committee entered the model in the aviation register with the right to transport goods. In 2014, an add-on was released to operate the Ansat helicopter of Russia for passenger traffic. In 2015, the new device was tested by Medvedev. According to Dmitry Anatolyevich, he liked the car. Giving the new product high marks, the head of the Russian government expressed his readiness to fly this helicopter in the future.
Description
The Ansat helicopter is produced at the facilities of the helicopter plant in Kazan, which is part of the combined holding Russian Helicopters. The twin-engine machine, built according to the classic single-rotor scheme with a tail rotor, has several advantages over similar models. The aircraft received an all-metal hull, composite non-power elements and fiberglass blades.
The passenger version of the helicopter has the most spacious cabin in its class. Moreover, the interior can be quickly transformed. Such an opportunity is important when it is necessary to quickly convert a helicopter to perform special tasks.
In addition to cargo / passenger transportation, Ansat can be used for observation, search and rescue, fire fighting. The latest version, which received an addition to the certificate in May 2015, is equipped with a sanitary cabin.
Ansat helicopter: technical specifications
Initially, the helicopter was created with an electro-remote control system (KSU-A), which made it the first device in the world with a similar system. Later it was decided to create a version with a traditional hydromechanical control system. As previously explained by the director general of KVZ Vadim Ligay, the reason was the tightening of requirements for certification of civil vehicles with KSU-A. However, the replacement of the control system did not affect either the mass of the machine or its characteristics:
- Total length - 13.54 m.
- Height with screws - 3.5 m.
- Width - 2.6 m.
- Crew - 1 or 2 pilots.
- Payload - up to 7 (10) passengers, or 1.3 tons of cargo.
The light Ansat helicopter has an all-metal fuselage. Non-power elements are made using composite materials. The blades are made of fiberglass. The rotor hub is made according to the hinge-free design, which allows to achieve a high level of controllability and save on operating costs.
Engines
Initially, the Ansat helicopter was equipped with a pair of PW207K turboshaft engines manufactured by Pratt Whitney Canada. They are equipped with a two-channel electronic digital control system (FADEC). In the event of an emergency shutdown of one of them, the helicopter is able to continue to take off.
The power of each of the motors in take-off mode reaches 630 liters. from. The cruising speed of the device reaches 250 km / h. The machine, equipped with main tanks, is capable of flying at a distance of up to 510 km.
In the future, the Ansat helicopter will be transferred (in whole or in part) to domestic-made power plants. At the moment, VK-800V engines, which are being designed by Klimov, are being tested. These motors will become the base for all types of light Russian aircraft. In the turboprop design it is also planned to be installed on drones, light aircraft. At VK-800V, technical documentation was fully developed and approved, a preliminary design was created. The power unit is successfully tested.
Flight characteristics
The promising Ansat helicopter, a photo of which has been published by many media outlets, has excellent maneuverability. Relatively small sizes allow the helicopter to be used in urban traffic.
The maximum speed with which the Ansat can fly is 275 km / h (cruising - 250 km / h). The device is capable of taking on board up to 1,234 kg of cargo or up to seven (if necessary, up to ten) passengers.
The machine is equipped with on-board equipment, flight and navigation system, information system, multifunctional indicators and warning system about failures. The helicopter can be controlled both in manual and automatic mode. Helicopter is able to fly in simple and difficult weather conditions.
Prospects
The Ansat helicopter, whose photo captivates with its visual lightness and swiftness of construction, opens a new milestone in the domestic aircraft industry. Russian designers have proven that they can produce maneuverable, economical, easy to maintain helicopters for civilian use.
In May 2015, the first commercial orders were placed at Ansat. Three vehicles were reserved by Tulpar Airlines, and two more aircraft were ordered by Vector. To establish direct contacts with helicopter operators in June 2015, the Ansat held an official presentation at KVZ, in which more than 70 specialists from Russian airlines and special aviation took part. As part of regional cooperation, KAZ in 2016 transferred to the Ministry of Health of Tatarstan an apparatus equipped with an ultramodern medical module.
By 2017, the country's air force had acquired about 40 Ansat-U units, modified for operation in the army. They are used for training pilots, demonstration flights, patrolling and other purposes.
A large contract is concluded with Chinese colleagues. In 2018, deliveries of two Ansats equipped with a medical module will be carried out. By 2019, Russian Helicopters pledged to transfer another 6 civilian units. Of particular interest are modifications in the VIP-version for the transport of important guests, company leaders, senior officials.