Kamov Ka-226 “Hoodlum”

The modular coaxial helicopter built for utility and high-altitude work

Overview

Kamov Russia ICAO: KA26 2006–Present $2.9 million

The Kamov Ka-226 is a light twin-engine helicopter designed for utility, patrol, and transport missions. Developed with a distinctive coaxial rotor system, it emphasizes compact size and modular flexibility. The aircraft has served civil operators and government agencies in demanding environments.

Live Fleet Activity (KA26)

📡

Fetching live data…

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20R
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 450 shp · 336 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
9
Crew
—
Cabin width
5 ft 1 in  ·  1.54 m
Cabin height
4 ft 7 in  ·  1.40 m
Cabin length
7 ft 9 in  ·  2.35 m
Exterior length
26 ft 7 in  ·  8.10 m
Tail height
13 ft 7 in  ·  4.15 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 7 in  ·  1.70 m
Wing span
42 ft 8 in  ·  13.00 m
Baggage volume
35 ft³  ·  1.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
16,500 lb  ·  7,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
3,100 lb  ·  1,400 kg
Fuel capacity
200 gal · 800 L · 600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
119 kt  ·  137 mph  ·  220 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
521 nm  ·  600 mi  ·  960 km
Fuel burn
2.94 nm/gal  ·  1.44 km/L
Ceiling
20,350 ft  ·  6,200 m
Rate of climb
2,028 ft/min  ·  10 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
(/) tap to zoom
(/)
Russia Air Force Kamov Ka-226

Live fleet activity details

📡
Fetching live data…
All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

Kamov Ka-226 Hoodlum — modular coaxial light utility helicopter

The Ka-226 was developed in the 1990s as an evolution of the earlier Ka-26 and Ka-126 utility helicopters. It retained Kamov’s trademark coaxial rotor configuration, eliminating the need for a tail rotor and improving compactness for confined operations. The prototype first flew in 1997, and the type entered limited service in the 2000s.

Powered by two turboshaft engines, commonly the Rolls-Royce Allison 250 series in early variants, the Ka-226 cruises at approximately 120 knots (220 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is around 7,500 pounds (3,400 kg). One of its defining features is a detachable mission module, allowing rapid reconfiguration for passenger transport, medical evacuation, or cargo roles.

The coaxial rotor system enhances maneuverability and hover efficiency, particularly in high-altitude regions. Operators have used the Ka-226 for law enforcement, border patrol, and mountain rescue. The design reflects Kamov’s longstanding emphasis on compact rotorcraft capable of operating in constrained and challenging conditions.