Newest Russian helicopter Ka-62 takes to the sky for 1st time

MOSCOW - Footage of the newest Russian multi-purpose Ka-62 helicopter in flight has been released, showing the prototype passing its very first flight test.

https://youtu.be/O5kJ_nnulw0

The prototype Ka-62 helicopter successfully completed its first test flight on Thursday. The flight lasted 15 minutes at a speed of 110 km/h and marked a significant milestone in the model’s development, showing that the prototype has undergone all the necessary revisions, the Russian Helicopters company said in a statement. Before the flight, the prototype had only undergone short hovering tests.
Russian Vice PM Rogozin posted the footage of the Ka-62 test flight on Twitter, congratulating the engineers and test pilots.

The Ka-62 is a multipurpose helicopter based on an experimental military model, the Ka-60. The helicopter is designed to carry up to 15 passengers or 2.5 tonnes of cargo. It can be flown in harsh conditions, namely at sea and in the mountains, as well as in hot and wet climates.

Modern polymer materials amount to 60 percent of the helicopter’s mass, which makes it lighter, faster, more manoeuvrable and durable, as well as reduces fuel usage. Serial production of the Ka-62 is expected to start in 2020.