Ka-18, N.I.Kamov

Stretched version of Ka-15/ Ka-15M. In the original Ka-18 configuration, only fuselage design was revised: length was increased by 1.13m to enable ambulance stretcher to be carried internally. In passenger version added room could be used for additional passenger(s) and/or baggage. Fuselage cover - all metal, ply elements seen at Ka-15 finally abandoned. Sliding panels of the predecessor was replaced by large car-type doors.

To balance this the rear fuselage was extended and fin area increased. Engine, transmission, rotors, control system and undercarriage were same as on Ka-15. Since the powerplant was not changed, additional weight of enlarged fuselage had to be compensated by smaller fuel capacity.

Cabin heating, liquid de-icing for the rotor and windscreen, compressed air engine starter and all-weather instrumentation added much to helicopter functionality in harsh climate of the Soviet North. Ka-18 rotor blades were detachable for stowage - very useful for shipborn ice or fishery reconnaissance, or on warships. Without rotors Ka-18 measures only 7.03x2.84x3.35m³.

Ka-18 could be converted by adding/removing special equipment to fulfill following duties:

• transporting passengers, light cargo, mail;
• ambulance, one stretcher and attendant;
• agricultural (spraying and dusting);
• visual survey (geology, cartography, forestry);

First experimental Ka-18 was flown October 13 1956 by pilot D.K.Efremov. Production at Ulan-Ude was launched in 1958. Ka-18 made appearance at number of International Air Shows (New-York, Mexico, Havana, Prague et al). In 1958 at Brussels helicopter won the Golden Medal.

In 1960 boosted version of the AI-14V engine became available. Extra horsepowers allowed to increase payload by 100kg and operational ceiling by 500m. New modification carried same Ka-18 designation and could be identified by increased tailfin chord.

In May 1959 Ka-18 established a speed record (169.3km/h) on 500km closed circuit.

Known service: Moldavian and Ukrainian Directorates of Aeroflot;

About 200 built.

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Drawing of early production (small fins) Ka-18 from Virtual Aircraft Museum Used for background on this page.