KA-32A1 Rescues People and Fights Fires

The helicopter fire-fighting service was tasked with rescuing and transporting people from burning and crumbling buildings irrespective of the number stories and from dangerous area; suppressing fires, putting out fire sources; providing condition of fire-fighter’s on-site activities; expeditious airlift of fire-fighters and their equipment onto roofs, balconies, i.e. directly to the sources of the fire.

The choice of the Ka-32A1 as the main helicopter of the Moscow Fire Fighting Service was grounded in the need for a very reliable helicopter to operate in the urbanized terrain. The helicopter was expected to feature good performances, small dimension and substantial lifting capacity. The needs were matched perfectly by the Ka-32A1 that was certified as airworthy by the MAK (IAC) register on 16 July, 1993.

The Ka-32A1 is a coaxial helicopter featuring a take-off weight of 11,000 kg, day-and-night all-weather capability and ability to carry 5,000 kg cargo at the underbelly sling. The helicopter is very compact and fits easily the diameter of its 15.9 m rotor. While parked it has a length of 12.3 m with blades folded.

The Ka-32A1’s airframe, rotorcraft flight structure, power plant and avionics are same as those mounted on the base version. To be capable of performing new special tasks, the helicopter is fitted with the passenger transportation system comprising three types of transport/rescue cabins; fire-fighter operator workplace; lowering device; two additional floodlights; loudspeaker; water tank (Bambi Bucket); two VHF radios (command and communications ones) to peak with ground fire-fighter services.

TSK-1, TSK-2 and TSK-3 transport/rescue cabins are designed to evacuate people from roofs, balconies or windows of upper stories of buildings. The TSK-1 is used for rescuing two persons and carried inside the helicopter’s transportation cabin. The TSK-2 is able to carry 20 persons. During rescue operations, it is mounted externally and is driven in a trailer by a lorry to the site of the fire. The TSK-3 is used to evacuate 10 persons. In rescue operations, it is connected with organic external large-cargo transportation system. It is delivered on site by the helicopter being folded in the transportation cabin.

Presently Ka-32A1 helicopters are on the round-the-clock standby and can be employed on order by the fire-fighting headquarters. Over 200 requests for the helicopter have been received over the past five years. The helicopter played an important role in fighting most dangerous fires. For example, it is the use of the helicopter that prevented the ecologic disaster during the 14,000 sq.m fire at the Moscow Tyre Plant and grave repercussions during the fire of the Ministry of Merchant Marine.