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2017-12-05

Ka-52: The Pride of Russia’s Military

According to military officials, Russian Armed Forces are ready for the delivery of a new generation of modern aircraft, including combat helicopters.

In an open meeting of the Ministry of Defense’s (MoD) Board taking place on November 7th, the Chief of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov said: Since 2013, aviation formations and units have been receiving over 200 modern aerial platforms on a yearly basis, including the Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35S and MiG-31BM frontline aircraft and the Ka-52 and Mi-28N helicopters. This has resulted in the rearmament of twelve aviation regiments, three brigades and six army aviation regiments with new hardware.

The Ka-52 is among the most modern pieces of aircraft equipment being delivered to Russia`s military. The Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ combat reconnaissance-attack helicopter is designed to engage both enemy tanks and armored or soft-skin vehicles. It provides round-the-clock manpower on the frontline and in tactical depth in all weather conditions. The rotary-wing ‘Alligator’ can conduct fire support, patrol and escort missions, while also reconnoitering targets and sending target data to interacting helicopters and ground command posts.

With the Ka-52 model, the helicopter’s signature has now been reduced. It is fitted with electronic protection systems and countermeasure assets in a design that meets Russian and international requirements to combat rotary-wing aircraft and their technical operation. The Ka-52 features a twin-seat cockpit, while the rotorcraft can be controlled by each pilot. High flight performance, in no small measure provided by the coaxial rotor scheme, provides high maneuverability in confined spaces to bring the aircraft to a position of advantage.

The Ka-52 is powered by two VK-2500-family (VK-2500 or VK-2500P) gas-turbine engines with a power output of 2,400 hp each, providing a flight altitude of more than 5,000 m. The static ceiling of the ‘Alligator’ reaches 4,000 m to ensure take-offs and landings in hot climate and mountainous terrains. Moreover, the helicopter can be used in cold weather and icing conditions.

The new model has received an up-to-date avionics and effective attack armament suite that can be reconfigured to accomplish various missions. The ‘Alligator’ features high crew protection and modern automated systems to assist piloting, supplemented by easy-handling ground maintenance.

According to Russian Helicopters Holding, a subsidiary of the Rostec state corporation, the Ka-52 reconnaissance-attack helicopter has a practical ceiling of up to 4,000 m, with a hovering ceiling of up to 4,000 m without ground effect. The rotary-wing aircraft features a maximum climb rate of 16 m/s and a vertical climb rate of 12 m/s (both at the sea level). The helicopter`s cruise and maximum speeds reach 260 km/h and 300 km/h, respectively. The Ka-52 has a practical flight range of 460 km, being fueled by internal fuel tanks and a ferry range of 1,110 km.

Armament Suite and Design

The helicopter`s armament suite is comprised of a 2A42-1 30 mm automatic cannon, guided missile launchers (including the Ataka) and S-8 unguided rockets, with an optional Strelets missile system. Its ammunition load is composed of up to 12 guided missiles, up to four Igla-S air-to-air guided missiles, a maximum of 80 S-8 rockets and 460 30 mm rounds. The Ka-52 is also equipped with a K-37-800M ejection seat system.

Moreover, the design of the rotary-wing platform has significant potential for modernization. The further development of the Ka-52 program envisages an increase to the helicopter`s firepower. An updated version of the ‘Alligator’ is believed to be in receipt of a new onboard suite intended to provide a drastic reinforcement to the protection of the aircraft against surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.

Its auxiliary power unit (APU) will be fitted with an additional generator to increase its reliability. The main rotor will receive folding blades that will allow the helicopters to be stored in hangars.

The payload weight of the updated Ka-52 will be increased to develop its tactical capabilities.

According to military officials, Russia’s rotary-wing platforms, including the Ka-52, have proven their combat effectiveness during counter-terrorism operations in Syria. At the Army-2017 international military-technical forum held in Moscow in August, the Chairman of the Russian Armed Forces’ Military-Scientific Committee and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Igor Makushev confirmed that:

The Ka-52 and the Mi-28N modern combat helicopters are widely used during the special operation to engage enemy`s tanks, armored vehicles and manpower, to conduct aerial reconnaissance and to ensure security of the take-offs and landings of the fixed-wing aircraft at the Humaymim airbase.

According to Makushev, the helicopters have been used in pairs by day and by night in visual and harsh meteorological conditions utilizing night vision googles: “The effective combat usage of the Ataka-1 and the Vikhr-1 anti-tank guided missiles and the Igla guided missiles was provided.”

Makushev also pointed out that the helicopter’s onboard systems use digital maps and provide the automated input of mission tasks:

The signal suite supports secure communication, including during the interaction with a forward air controller. The onboard protection system integrated into the Ka-52 and the Mi-28N ensures radar- and laser-homing warning and effective countermeasures against man-portable air defense systems fitted with infrared seekers.

Russia’s military is now receiving the ‘Alligators’ at an accelerated pace. According to deputy defense minister Yuri Borisov, the Russian MoD will be in receipt of 14 Ka-52 helicopters this year, while 50 rotary-wing aircraft of this type will have been delivered by 2020. The Ka-52 is also highly sought across the global market.

Ka-52K

To meet international demand, the holding is developing a marinized modification of the rotary-wing aircraft designated the Ka-52K, where K stands for Shipborne, Korebelny. The Ka-52K is a ship-based version of the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and combat helicopter, which is under production and destined for Russia’s armed forces. Designed for overseas operations, the French-built Mistral-class amphibious assault ships and helicopter are also being manufactured by JSC Russian Helicopters.

The helicopter can be deployed in combat, target acquisition and designation, maritime patrol and convoy escort missions. The first Ka-52K prototype made its maiden flight in March 2015 and was displayed at International Maritime Defence Show (IMDS-2015) in July that same year. Russia has now signed an agreement with Egypt for the delivery of 46 Ka-52K ship-based attack helicopters.

The Ka-52K is designed to accomplish a wide range of round-the-clock naval missions both day and night, including patrolling, fire support of troops during landing and counter-sabotage operations both on the frontline and in tactical depth. Compared with the basic Ka-52, the Ka-52K features a number of differences. For instance, the marinized helicopter has received shortened folding stub-wings that are reinforced to carry heavy armaments.

The ability to be stored in confined spaces is critical for a naval rotary-wing platform. The main rotor of the Ka-52K is therefore fitted with folding blades, allowing the helicopter to be stored under the deck of ships as well as in hangars. The dimensions of the Ka-52K have also been made more compact.

The anti-corrosive coating protects the helicopter against the harsh climatic conditions of the sea. The Ka-52K has received a centralized fueling system, an upgraded air cooling unit and a radio-technical system of short-range navigation. According to the Director General of the Russian Helicopters, Andrei Boginsky: This rotary-wing aircraft is being developed in accordance with the requirements of Russia`s MoD.

The usage of the helicopter not only by the ‘Admiral Kuznetsov’ heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser, but also by other ships modified for single and group basing of helicopters is being considered. Moreover, the military has made a decision to base the Ka-52K on the indigenous advanced landing helicopter docks.

The serial production of the Ka-52K is anticipated for 2020, with four prototypes of the helicopter currently being tested. The helicopter is believed to be in receipt of new weapons; for instance, the Kh-38MEh guided missiles and the Kh-35UEh extended range anti-ship missiles (both developed by the Tactical Missiles Corporation, KTRV).

In summary, Russian Helicopters Holding is set to continue the development of the Ka-52 program, integrating the latest developments in the areas of weapons and electronics into the ‘Alligator’.

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