Russian Helicopters launches global helicopter firefighting initiative

Russian Helicopters has launched the Global Helicopter Firefighting Initiative (GHFI) to increase the use of firefighting helicopters specially equipped with the suspended firefighting systems (Bambi Buckets), water cannons and other firefighting equipment. The GHFI will involve makers of firefighting systems and equipment for helicopters producing innovative technologies to qualitatively improve helicopter-based firefighting systems. Russian Helicopters plans to involve its own design bureaus in the search for new engineering solutions in the field.

One member in the GHFI will be the Russian-built Ka-32A11BC helicopter, which can be equipped with various firefighting systems. The helicopter is already popular in more than 30 countries, with 188 machines operating successfully in Russia, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, China, Bulgaria, Austria, South Korea, Chile, Indonesia and Japan, among others.

The Ka-32A11BC meets AP-29 standards and was awarded type certification in 2009 by the EASA. In December 2012, the helicopter received its flightworthiness certification in Australia. The Ka-32A11BC can tackle virtually all types of fires both on the ground and in high-rise buildings by deploying a collapsible Bambi Bucket and water cannon. Coaxial rotors make the Ka32A11BC the only helicopter in its class that can execute difficult manoeuvres