Russian manufacturers Kamov and Mil are developing advanced high-speed helicopter (AHSH) designs with the goal of creating a helicopter that flies as fast as
a turboprop airplane. Western companies have exhibited similar interest, with Sikorsky developing the X2 technology demonstrator, Bell and Agusta partnering on the BA609 tiltrotor and Eurocopter said to be studying a high-speed helicopter concept. At the HeliRussia international helicopter exhibition in May Vertolyoty Rossii (Russian Helicopters) displayed AHSH mockups from Kamov and Mil.
Kamov’s model, the 30-seat Ka-92, would have a takeoff weight of about 16 metric tons (35,000 pounds). It employs the company’s traditional coaxial main rotor and is powered by two 3,200-shp Klimov VK-3000 turbo-shaft engines. An improved aerodynamic outline and the tail pusher would give the Ka-92 a maximum speed of an estimated 248 knots and a cruise speed of 227 knots. Kamov believes that the combination of VTOL capability, a cruise speed approaching that of fixed-wing regional aircraft and a range of 756 nm would make the Ka-92 an ideal transport for Siberia and the Far East.
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