November 19,
2008: After over two years of negotiations, Iran has convinced Russia to
provide a license to build fifty (or more) Ka-32 helicopters. This is the
civilian version of the military Ka-27, and is a 12 ton aircraft than can carry
up to four tons. It can stay in the air about four hours per sortie and cruises
at 205 kilometers an hour. The Ka-27 has been used by the Russian navy since
the 1970s.
With the
ability to manufacture the Ka-32, Iran could easily convert them back to their
original Ka-27 military configuration. Iran would have to import most of the
Ka-32 components from Russia, and the license would basically allow them to
assemble the helicopters in Iran. This
would provide Iranians an opportunity to gain experience assembling and
maintaining helicopters. Three years ago, Iran began production of the type of
engines used in the Ka-32 (but not the specific type needed for a helicopter
the size of the Ka-32). Recently, Iran delivered the first license built
turboprop transport (a twin engine, 21 ton Antonov 140). There have been
quality control problems with this project, but this is the price you pay to
acquire high tech manufacturing capabilities.
