Specifications
Year: 2010
Status: Active, In-Service
Manufacturer(s): Kamov / Russian Helicopters - Russia
Production: 84
Capabilities: Ground Attack; Close-Air Support (CAS); Reconnaissance (RECCE);
Status: Active, In-Service
Manufacturer(s): Kamov / Russian Helicopters - Russia
Production: 84
Capabilities: Ground Attack; Close-Air Support (CAS); Reconnaissance (RECCE);
Crew: 2
Length: 52.49 ft (16 m)
Width: 47.57 ft (14.5 m)
Height: 16.17 ft (4.93 m)
Weight (Empty): 16,976 lb (7,700 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 23,810 lb (10,800 kg)
Length: 52.49 ft (16 m)
Width: 47.57 ft (14.5 m)
Height: 16.17 ft (4.93 m)
Weight (Empty): 16,976 lb (7,700 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 23,810 lb (10,800 kg)
Power: 2 x Klimov VK-2500 OR VK-2500P turboshaft engines developing 2,500 shaft horsepower each while driving 2 x three-bladed main rotors.
Speed: 186 mph (300 kph; 162 kts)
Ceiling: 18,045 feet (5,500 m; 3.42 miles)
Range: 684 miles (1,100 km; 594 nm)
Ceiling: 18,045 feet (5,500 m; 3.42 miles)
Range: 684 miles (1,100 km; 594 nm)
Operators: Egypt (ordered); Russia
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.
Program Updates
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.
Armament
STANDARD:
1 x 30mm 2A42-1 fuselage automatic cannon (starboard side, limited traversal).
OPTIONAL:
8 x Air-to-Surface anti-tank missiles OR 4 x Rocket Pods / Cannon Pods across four underwing hardpoints.
Variants / Models
• 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.
