Helitech '08: Portugal’s EMA Reflects on Kamov Ka-23 Ops | Aviation International News

Helitech '08: Portugal’s EMA Reflects on Kamov Ka-23 Ops

In Portugal, state-owned helicopter operator Empresa de Meios Aéreos (EMA) seems happy with the six Kamov Ka-32 A11BCs it acquired for firefighting and sea

By Thierry Dubois • Writer

November 3, 2008

In Portugal, state-owned helicopter operator Empresa de Meios Aéreos (EMA) seems happy with the six Kamov Ka-32 A11BCs it acquired for firefighting and search-and-rescue operations (SAR). The 12-metric-ton Russian design, relatively rare in the Western world, can carry four tons of water. And it is much less expensive than its competitors, according to pilot and media officer João Manuel da Silva dos Santos.

A year-and-a-half ago, Portugal decided to buy helicopters for SAR and other emergency operations. Until then, it had been renting the aircraft. The company acquired six Kamovs and four Eurocopter AS 350 B3 Ecureuils. Emergency operations now also include road traffic control, law enforcement and, soon, coast guard. During the summer months, EMA rents additional helicopters to fight forest fires.

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