Blast from the past: Almost perfect folding helicopter the 'Kamov ka-56'
Was the rotary piston engine the only reason to rein in the Kamov ka-56, before it could even take off? That's what the sources say, but...?
In 1971 Kamov Design Bureau was ordered to produce new ultralight foldable helicopter for military service. Sergei Fomin, Deputy Chief Designer, was ordered to lead this project.
Few conditions
1)The Navy wanted to pull the helicopter out of a submarine's torpedo tube so the helicopter could be transported in a cylinder container of 500 mm diameter.
2)15 minutes was the assembling time (the only parts which were detachable from the helicopter for transportation were 4 main rotor blades. All other parts were easily folded. MR blades were attached by single shift each).
3) Power-plant was 40 hp air-cooled rotary engine which burned the auto-fuel.
Technical data for Ka-56
1)Crew: 1
2)Take-off weight: 220kg
3)Payload: 110kg
4)Maximum speed: 110kph
5)Maximum ceiling: 1700m
6)Maximum ceiling: 1700m
7)Maximum range: 120km
Unfortunately, Ka-56 wasn't ever flown due to the lack of suitable rotary piston engine. Now after so many years and better technology, is rotary engine still a problem?
Maybe yes or maybe we will see the old bird spreading its wing, flying high some day.
Via: Avia
