Russian Helicopters has received an order for 18 Ka-226TG light twins from NefteGazAeroCosmos, a “research and production center” linked to Russian oil and gas giant Gazprom. Six helicopters are scheduled for delivery next year and the remaining dozen in 2014.

The Ka-226TG, a “modernized” version of the still-in-development Ka-226T, is designed to “meet [Gazprom’s] needs for operations in the Far North and on the Arctic shelf.” It will feature a KBO-226TG avionics suite for low-visibility operations, as well as additional fuel tanks for greater range. The helicopter will be powered by a pair of the same Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 turboshafts installed on the Ka-226T.

Featuring a coaxial main rotor, the Ka-226TG will have an mtow of nearly 8,000 pounds, a maximum payload of 2,860 pounds and a maximum speed of 135 knots. It will be able to carry seven passengers.

Gazprom Avia, the company’s flight department, plans to use the helicopters to monitor gas pipelines and other infrastructure. Additionally, the helicopters will be used for corporate passenger transport, repair work and cargo transportation.