Kamov Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"

Summary

Category Helicopter
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
First flight17 June 1982
Year of introduction1995
Number produced19 units
Average unit price$16 million

Description

The Kamov Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" is a military attack helicopter developed by Kamov Design Bureau for the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation. First introduced in the early 1980s, the Ka-50 was primarily designed for aerial combat missions and close air support. It features a coaxial rotor system that provides enhanced maneuverability in comparison to traditional helicopters, allowing for improved handling and control during combat operations. The aircraft has been deployed primarily by the Russian Army Aviation, with limited export to other countries. The Ka-50 Hokum has been involved in various conflicts, demonstrating its effectiveness in combat scenarios.

Technical specifications

Version: Ka-50 Black Shark Hokum-A
Crew1 pilot
Operational range460 km (286 mi)
Maximum speed 315 km/h (196 mph)
Wingspan14.5 m (47.6 ft)
Height4.9 m (16.2 ft)
Length16 m (52.5 ft)
Service ceiling5500 m (18045 ft)
Empty weight7700 kg (16976 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight10800 kg (23810 lbs)
Climb rate10.0 m/s (32.8 ft/s)
Powerplant2 × turbines Klimov TV3-117VK delivering 1641 kW
Ejection seatZvezda K-37-800

Current operating countries

No country is operating the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" in 2024.

All operators

Russia

Armament

Missiles payload:

  • Anti-Tank KBP 9A4172 Vikhr (AT-16 Scallion)
  • Air-to-Air Short-Range Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer)

Photo of Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"

Photo of Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"

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3-view profile of Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"