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2022-11-01
Kamov Ka-52, A Russian Army Aviation Workhorse
JSC Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of state corporation Rostec, unveiled the Kamov Ka-52E Alligator combat-reconnaissance helicopter at the recently concluded ADEX 2022 defence show held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Ka-52 is battle-proven, and these rotorcraft have been involved in several reconnaissance and combat tasks. Moreover, the combat capabilities of the rotary-wing platform have exceeded the original requirements of its designers. In particular, the helicopter “apparently demonstrated much better performance than we had evaluated originally,” a commander of a Ka-52 crew said.
According to the pilot, the helicopter can stealthily approach an enemy’s positions, use air-launched munitions or a gun and escape the retaliatory fire at maximum speeds. “[We] approached from a long distance and then detected, recognised, and reported [an enemy]. [We] got permission to open fire and then fired [weapons]. Then [we] approached at a shorter distance and used unguided rockets,” said the pilot.
The helicopter has saved the lives of its crew as the onboard defence suite detects incoming surface-to-air missiles. “The aircraft offers high reliability, excellent manoeuvrability, and outstanding mobility. It is the most compact and manoeuvrable [helicopter], which can attain high speeds. It is capable of completing the widest range of tasks,” added the pilot.
According to Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev, the company successfully completed its 2021 plan, including the delivery of more than 50 helicopters worth over US$ 1.2 billion.
He said: “We are keeping a very close watch on the use of Russian defence hardware during special military operations. The Ka-52, Mil Mi-28N, and Mi-8AMTSh [the export-oriented variant of the helicopter is designated Mi-171Sh] rotorcraft are being successfully used in the field. The Ka-52 combat-reconnaissance rotorcraft play a pivotal role as they lead tactical wings of combat and combat-transport helicopters.”
According to Mikheev, the high power-to-weight ratio, manoeuvrability, and flight performance in conjunction with an integral onboard electronics suite, a powerful armament suite, an onboard self-defence suite, and effective ballistic protection ensure the high effectiveness of the Ka-52.
At the same time, some modern combat helicopters poorly suit combined-arms tactics. For instance, reports have highlighted that Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian or Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk have seen combat only during low-intensity conflicts. Moreover, they have suffered combat losses not only from air defence weapons but even from small arms. There were some cases in which, reportedly, both AH-64A Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow were destroyed by small arms fire.
Modernised Variant
The Ka-52 combat-reconnaissance helicopter was developed by the Kamov design bureau (a subsidiary of Rostec’s Russian Helicopters). It is manufactured at the Arsenidv-based Progress aviation plant, named after N I Sazykin. A contract for the delivery of 30 upgraded Ka-52M rotorcraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) through 2023 was signed at the Army 2021 defence show. At the Army 2022 defence show, the MoD also signed a contract for the Ka-52M.
The Ka-52M is a modernised variant of the Ka-52 helicopter. According to the developer, the missile weapons of the upgraded platform have become common with those of Mil Mi-28NM helicopter, resulting in a dramatic increase in the rotary-wing platform’s range of fire. The Ka-52M has also received a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an extended-range missile. The prototype of the helicopter made its maiden flight on August 10, 2020.
The Ka-52M features the latest technical solutions, including a gyrostabilised optical-electronic system with an extended range of target detection and recognition, new digital gun drives with increased aiming accuracy, and new brake wheels with disc brakes and more durable tires. The upgraded rotorcraft have been powered with the Klimov VK-2500 engine.
The rotorcraft produces a top speed of up to 300 km/h. It carries a payload of up to 2,500 kg. The helicopter features a range of 460 km, a service ceiling of 5,500 m, and a cruise speed of up to 260 km/h. The air platform’s armament suite incorporates guided missiles (including Ataka and Vikhr missiles) and unguided rockets. The rotorcraft can also carry bombs and gun pods.
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