Ka-52 to test new missile weapon

‘Russian Helicopters’ Holding Company together with the Russian Ministry of Defence will conduct tests of the newest guided missiles on Ka-52 ship-based reconnaissance and combat helicopter. Specialists of the Holding Company will also test on-board equipment and armament of the helicopter for their resistance to electromagnetic fields.

Currently, the tests are performed on four Ka-52K prototypes. One of the helicopters is being prepared for tests to evaluate the resistance of avionics and air weapons to external electromagnetic fields. The second helicopter undergoes preliminary tests at the airfield, and on the third helicopter a new inertial navigation system is tested.
The fourth Ka-52K prototype is at the testing site of the Rusian Ministry of Defence, it is planned to test new guided missile weapons on this helicopter.

‘Ka-52K helicopters are going through the final stages of the tests, and the Holding Company is ready to start serial production of this helicopter in the near future. We note interest of the Russian ministry of Defence in this helicopter. Currently the possibility of use of Ka-52K helicopter from a heavy aircraft cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov, as well as from frigates and large anti-submarine ships, is considered. Moreover, the Ministry of Defence made a decision to develop Russian helicopter carriers,’ Andrey Boginsky, Director General of Russian Helicopters Holding Company, noted.

During tests Ka-52 helicopter was significantly improved. The helicopter was equipped with the state-of-the-art target sight systems and weapon control systems, combat survivability of the helicopter was enhanced and autonomous deployment system was improved. These modifications provided the Ka-52K with a range of competitive advantages as compared to the similar helicopters of foreign production.

Ka-52K helicopter is the next product in the range of sea helicopters designed by Kamov Design Bureau. The helicopter is designed for patrolling, fire support of assault forces when landing, performing anti-airborne defence missions on the forefront and in tactical depth, under any weather conditions and at any time of day or night. State-of-the-art on-board equipment ensures helicopter navigation in conditions with no visual references at sea.

Ka-52K helicopter differs from the baseline model by availability of a shortened folded wing, which was upgraded for the installation of heavy weapons, and a blade-folding mechanism, which ensures its compact arrangement inside a ship's hold. Reduced dimensions of Ka-52 shipborne helicopters allow increasing the number of helicopters located on a ship to maximum. Armored cockpit and unique ejection system provide pilots with the maximum safety level, which cannot be ensured on any helicopter of this class produced abroad.

Another important feature of the Ka-52K is the use of corrosion resistant materials, which is conditioned by the necessity of helicopter’s operation in conditions of humid marine climate. The helicopter is equipped with a single-point refueling and a modernized air conditioning system ensuring ventilation of sea rescue suits of the crew members. In addition, the helicopter is equipped with short-range radiotechnical navigation system, which was not used on the baseline model.

Ka-52K helicopter is designed for patrolling, fire support of assault forces when landing, performing anti-airborne defence missions on the forefront and in tactical depth, under any weather conditions and at any time of day or night. State-of-the-art on-board equipment ensures helicopter navigation in conditions with no visual references at sea.