Ansat Helicopter receives Cargo Carrying, SAR Equipment Add-Ons

The Kazan Helicopter Plant of JSC Helicopters received Russia transport agency approval to equip their Ansat helicopter with an external load-bearing sling system, allowing for the carriage of oversize loads or firefighting for the aircraft around the world. The addition expands the mission capability of the light, multipurpose helicopter. 

The Kazan Ansat began its widespread commercial service almost 10 years ago, introduced as a light passenger version with seating for 10 passengers. It has established a name for itself as an affordable, do-all option for those operators requiring a wide range of temperature operations, certified in its homeland for -45?C to more than 50?C. With consistent improvements and modernizations, the Ansat has seen a variety of external equipment from winches and floats, to air ambulance and firefighting support. The newest change sees the helicopter take off with 8,400 pounds of payload while equipped with its sling. Kazan also completed testing with a water discharge device slung under its belly, allowing for fire service without permanent modification. 

Additional developments have included a high-output searchlight, designed in conjunction with a search and rescue system that allows for a winched rescue of imperiled persons from hover for payloads up to 600 pounds. Soft-ground landing skids, LED lighting, and improved air ambulance cabin layouts have all begun the process of approval by the Research Institute of Micro Devices as well.

"Our task is to make Ansat a multi-purpose helicopter capable of performing a wide range of tasks. The increasing number of available options, among other things, expands the search and rescue capability of Ansat, which is important for our customers. For example, in 2020 the first Ansat joined the air fleet of the Northwest Aviation Rescue Center and we expect new Ansat capabilities to form the basis for further cooperation with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia," said Nikolay Kolesov, CEO of JSC Russian Helicopters.

FMI: www.rostec.ru