Kamov Ka-25 Hormone

Summary

Description

In the 1960s, the Soviet Union placed increased emphasis on its navy by developing modern ships capable of advanced missions. The introduction of the embarked helicopter was a key aspect of this new naval doctrine, and Nikolaï Kamov, one of the leading helicopter manufacturers in the East, played an essential role. Before the 1960s, the Soviet Union already used Kamov helicopters powered by piston engines.

In 1961, the West discovered a revolutionary prototype, the Kamov Ka-20 "Harp". This helicopter, powered by turbines and armed with two missiles, marked a major turning point. Although the armament did not reappear later, the Ka-20 paved the way for the development of the Kamov Ka-25 "Hormone".

The Ka-25 was specifically designed to meet the Soviet Navy's needs for anti-submarine warfare. It stood out with its unique appearance, taller than a Sikorsky Sea King but smaller than a Dauphin or a Westland Lynx. To adapt to the narrower decks of Soviet ships, the Ka-25 used innovative coaxial counter-rotating rotor technology. This design eliminated the need for a tail rotor, thus reducing the fuselage length to less than 10 meters. The Ka-25 had a robust, corrosion-treated metal airframe, a folding landing gear, and great ground stability with four independent legs equipped with wheels.

The Ka-25 was equipped with a wide variety of equipment, such as a search radar, an IFF identification system, a towed magnetic anomaly detector, a sonar, and sometimes an acoustic buoy container. Its main armament focused on anti-submarine warfare, with the capability to carry torpedoes, mines, or depth charges.

In addition to anti-submarine warfare, the Ka-25 performed other missions such as maritime search and rescue, transport, and anti-ship actions. A specific version of the Ka-25 was used as an intermediate guidance station for certain surface-to-surface missiles due to the limited guidance capacity of Soviet ships.

Between 1966 and 1975, approximately 460 units of the Ka-25 were produced primarily for Soviet military needs. Although some units are still in service in Syria and Vietnam, the Ka-25 was gradually replaced by the improved Ka-27. Nevertheless, the excellent design of the Ka-25 laid the foundation for a large Kamov helicopter family, which continues to this day with models such as the Ka-27, Ka-29, Ka-30, Ka-31, and Ka-32.

Main Versions:

• Ka-25BSh (Hormone-A): basic version of the Ka-25, intended for anti-submarine warfare.
• Ka-25BShZ: intended for mine sweeping and laying, 8 units built.
• Ka-25F: armed assault variant, discarded in favor of the Mil Mi-24; equipped with a 23mm cannon and six hardpoints for 6 AT-2 Swatter missiles or 6 rocket launcher pods.
• Ka-25K (also known as Ka-25Ts; Hormone-B): intended for beyond-the-horizon surface-to-surface missile guidance, equipped with a larger radar and data link.
• Ka-25PS (Hormone-C): unarmed variant intended for search and rescue at sea and transport; can accommodate auxiliary fuel tanks (increased range of up to 650 kilometers).

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

No country is operating the Ka-25 Hormone in 2024.

All operators

Bulgaria • India • Russia • Syria • Ukraine • Ex-USSR • Vietnam • Ex-Yugoslavia

Photo of Ka-25 Hormone