The Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator" (Hokum-B) is an upgraded form of the original Ka-50 "Hokum" attack helicopter line. While the Ka-50 utilized a single-seat cockpit, the most notable difference in the new mark is the twin-seat, side-by-side cockpit. Development of this attack helicopter began in 1994 leading to a first flight recorded on June 25th, 1997. While the Ka-52 includes a radar suite, additional crewmember, and all-new designation it more or less retains the same form and function as well as armament capabilities of the original. Additionally, the platform supports all-weather, day/night attack environments due to its various upgrades that include FLIR, TV sighting, helmet-mounted sighting, laser rangefinder, and mast-mounted radar antenna.
The Ka-52 is billed as an armed reconnaissance and combat platform able to take on the roles of assault, Close-Air Support (CAS), convoy protection, and armed patrolling. The helicopter maintains its weaponry under its short wingstub assemblies which allow for four underwing hardpoints. Onboard countermeasures, including signature reduction features, chaff/flare dispensers, and crew/critical systems armoring enhances battlefield survivability. Each pilot is also afforded K-37-800M shock-absorbing ejection seats. The twin-seat arrangement sports control redundancy meaning either pilot can manage the flight control aspects of the helicopter. The avionics suite is all-modern (complete with a high level of automation for reduced crew workloads) and the weapons suite flexible to support a broad range of weaponry. Attention has also been given to reduced maintenance and repair times by providing for better accessibility of key systems and components.
The Alligator features the Kamov helicopter trademark coaxial main rotors arrangement (2 x three-bladed systems) which eliminate the need for a countering tail rotor unit (this also increased battlefield survivability to an extent). These main rotors are driven by 2 x Klimov VK-2500 series turboshaft engines which support "hot-and-high" operations as well as cold weather service. Performance includes a maximum speed of 300 kmh with a cruising speed nearing 260 kmh. Ferry range is 1,100 kilometers with a combat radius of about 460 kilometers. Its operational service ceiling reaches 5,500 meters.
The Ka-52 carries a 30mm 2A42-1 cannon along the starboard side of its fuselage. There is limited traversal given which requires the pilots to position the entire aircraft in the direction of fire but overall accuracy is said to be better than that of a turreted chin gun seen in other modern attack helicopters. Beyond this standard installation, the wingstubs of the helicopter support Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), rockets, rocket pods, gun pods, and cannon pods as required.
To date, the Ka-52 has only been adopted by the Russian Air Force with possible plans to feature it in the Russian Navy as well dependent upon successful procurement of a new amphibious warship / helicopter carrier. The Air Force is planning on a Ka-52 stock of 140 helicopters with the Navy adding a possible 40 more units.
April 2017 - Testing is ongoing on a maritime version of the Ka-52 attack helicopter. This version is designated as Ka-52K and has received various modifications for its intended over-water role including corrosion-resistant materials, unique rescue systems and comm suite, and crewspace ejection system. The type is intended to be operated from warships.
August 2020 - The Ka-52M, a modernized form of the Ka-52 attack helicopter series, achieved first-flight in an August 10th, 2020 exercise at Arseniev.
Specifications
Year: 2010
Status Active, In-Service
Crew 2
Production 84 Units
Kamov / Russian Helicopters - Russia
Egypt (ordered); Russia
- Ground Attack
- Close-Air Support (CAS)
- Reconnaissance (RECCE)
Length:
52.49 ft (16 m)
Width:
47.57 ft (14.5 m)
Height:
16.17 ft (4.93 m)
Empty Weight:
16,976 lb (7,700 kg)
MTOW:
23,810 lb (10,800 kg)
(Diff: +6,834lb)
(Showcased weight values pertain to the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum-B) production model)
2 x Klimov VK-2500 OR VK-2500P turboshaft engines developing 2,500 shaft horsepower each while driving 2 x three-bladed main rotors.
Max Speed:
186 mph (300 kph; 162 kts)
Service Ceiling:
18,045 feet (5,500 m; 3.42 miles)
Max Range:
684 miles (1,100 km; 594 nm)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum-B) production model; Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database)
OPTIONAL:
8 x Air-to-Surface anti-tank missiles OR 4 x Rocket Pods / Cannon Pods across four underwing hardpoints.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum-B) production model)
Ka-52 "Alligator" - Base Series Designation
Ka-52K - Maritime attack model for shipborne operations; folding main rotor head; reinforced undercarriage; anti-corrosion coating; maritime ordnance support.
Ka-52M - Modernized variant; first-flight in August 2020.
General Assessment
Firepower
Performance
Survivability
Versatility
Impact
Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.
Overall Rating
The overall rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry. The rating is out of a possible 100.
86
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 200mph
Lo: 100mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (186mph).
Graph average of 150 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
MSK
TKY
TKY
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum-B) operational range when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era Span
Showcasing era cross-over of this aircraft design.
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Egypt (ordered); Russia
