Kamov Ka-52 Alligator Hokum-B

Summary

Description

The Kamov Ka-50's development emerged from the V-80Sh-1 prototype, with the Soviet Council of Ministers ordering its production on 14 December 1987. While initial reports of the helicopter surfaced in the West around 1984, the first photograph appeared in 1989. Operational testing between 1985 and 1986 revealed a manageable pilot workload, comparable to that of a fighter-bomber, allowing the pilot to handle both flying and navigation. Following initial flight and system tests, the Council sanctioned the production of the first helicopter batch in 1990. The Ka-50 was formally introduced to the public as the "Ka-50" in March 1992 at a United Kingdom symposium. It was then revealed at the Mosaeroshow '92 at Zhukovskiy in August 1992. Its foreign debut occurred the following month at the Farnborough Airshow, where it was displayed with a werewolf image on its rudder, earning it the nickname "Werewolf." The fifth prototype, painted black, gained recognition as the "Black Shark" after it starred in the movie of the same name.

The Ka-50 distinguishes itself through a unique design, most notably Kamov's characteristic coaxial contra-rotating rotor system, negating the need for a tail rotor assembly and enhancing the helicopter's aerobatic capabilities, enabling it to perform loops, rolls, and circle-strafe around targets. The omission of a tail rotor improves efficiency because the torque-countering tail rotor can use up to 30% of engine power. For improved pilot survivability the Ka-50 is fitted with a NPP Zvezda K-37-800 ejection seat, which is a rare feature for a helicopter. Before the rocket in the ejection seat deploys, the rotor blades are blown away by explosive charges in the rotor disc and the canopy is jettisoned. For its own protection, Ka-50 is fitted with a radar warning receiver, electronic warfare system and chaff and flare dispensers. Extensive all-round armor in the cockpit protects the pilot against 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullets and 23 mm projectile fragments. The rotor blades are rated to withstand several hits of ground-based automatic weapons.

The Ka-50 boasts a versatile armament suite, centered around one semi-rigidly mounted 30 mm Shipunov 2A42 autocannon, which is capable of selective fire and a cyclic rate between 200 and 800 rounds per minute. This cannon is positioned near the aircraft's center of gravity to enhance accuracy and is fed with 460 rounds of either high-fragmentation explosive incendiary or armor-piercing ammunition, selectable by the pilot mid-flight. For external stores, the helicopter features six under-wing hardpoints, plus two on the wingtips, providing a total carriage capacity of over 2,000 kg, dependent on the specific ordnance mix. These hardpoints accommodate a range of munitions, including 80 mm S-8 rockets, 122 mm S-13 rockets, and Igla air-to-air missiles for self-defense. Anti-tank capabilities are provided by the capacity to carry up to twelve 9K121 Vikhr laser-guided missiles or Ataka laser-guided anti-tank missiles. The Ka-50 can also be outfitted with 250 kg or 500 kg bombs, 23 mm UPK-23-250 gun pods, or external fuel tanks to extend its operational range. For self-protection, the wingtips feature pods housing flare and chaff countermeasure dispensers, with each pod containing 32 x 26 mm countermeasures.

The Ka-50 saw operational deployment during the Second Chechen War in December 2000, where a pair of helicopters, along with a Ka-29 for reconnaissance and target designation, engaged in live combat for the first time in January 2001. Missions included destroying ammunition warehouses with unguided rockets and eliminating fortified insurgent camps using guided missiles. The type's airframe, onboard systems, and armament were rigorously tested in difficult mountainous terrain, validating the advanced design features and maneuverability of the Ka-50. Later, Ka-52 helicopters were deployed in Syria from 2015 supporting the Russian military intervention, involved in base defense, escorting search and rescue operations, and assisting special forces. In 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine saw extensive use of the Ka-52, with numerous losses reported, though the type has also proven effective, particularly when employing longer-range missiles against ground targets. There have been reports of vibration issues under heavy loads and claims about vulnerability to small arms fire. The Ka-52 has also participated in exercises such as "Boundary 2004" in Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating its high-altitude operational capabilities in hot climates. Egypt also acquired Ka-52 helicopters, and these are modified with anti-corrosion materials, reinforced fuselage, and updated avionics for hot climate operations, entering service in December 2018.

Main Variants:

• Kamov Ka-50: This is the original single-seat version of the attack helicopter, designed for high agility and equipped with a 30 mm cannon and hardpoints for various missiles and rockets.

• Kamov Ka-50Sh: This variant features improved night-attack capabilities, utilizing a spherical FLIR turret for enhanced targeting in low-light conditions.

• Kamov Ka-50-2 "Erdogan": A tandem-seat cockpit version developed in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries, featuring modern avionics and a turret-mounted 30 mm cannon, specifically designed for a Turkish competition.

• Kamov Ka-52 "Alligator": This is a highly upgraded version with a two-seat side-by-side cockpit, advanced targeting radar, and increased armament capacity compared to the original Ka-50, designed for the Russian Aerospace Forces.

• Kamov Ka-52K "Katran": The naval version of the Ka-52, featuring folding rotor blades and reinforced landing gear for ship-based operations, along with shortened wings and planned compatibility with Kh-35 and Kh-38 missiles.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Russia	117 (+65)
	Egypt	39 (+7)

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Egypt • Russia

Armament

Missiles payload:

• Air-to-Surface KBP Hermes

Photo of Ka-52 Alligator Hokum-B

3-view profile