Ka-26 family

About the Ka-26 family

The Kamov Ka-26 family is a Soviet light utility rotorcraft featuring co-axial rotors and powered by two radial piston engines. Designed with a fixed bubble-shaped cockpit seating one or two crew members, it accommodates a removable module adaptable for passenger-carrying, medevac, or agricultural duties. The aircraft suits civil agricultural operators particularly well, as its unique rotor configuration creates a mild and thorough distribution of chemicals without damaging delicate vine-stocks.

Following its entry into production, hundreds of units were built alongside single and twin-turboshaft variants. In some Warsaw Pact armies, the type served in light paratroop and airborne roles rather than agriculture. While its slow cruise speed limited general military utility, its compact length and smaller rotor diameter offered distinct advantages for urban operations. Later, unauthorized production of unlicensed copies was also uncovered in an illegal factory.

This page covers the Kamov Ka-26: the same aircraft under other designations.