Kamov Ka-52 Alligator Attack Helicopter

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Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (NATO reporting name: Hokum B) is an all-weather combat helicopter developed by Kamov Design Bureau.

The Ka-52 is a twin-seat version of the Ka-50 helicopter.

It has been designed to attack armoured and unarmoured ground targets and low-speed air targets.

The first airframe construction of Ka-52 began in mid 1996 and the first finished helicopter rolled out in December 1996.

The aircraft took its maiden flight in June 1997.

Serial production commenced in October 2008.

The helicopter complies with Russian and international regulations for military helicopters.

It can perform combat operations, day or night, in all weather conditions. It can also be used as a training helicopter.

Russia placed an order for 36 Ka-52s in late 2009. First batch of three production helicopters was handed over to the Russian Army Aviation Combat and Conversion Training Centre (CCTC) in Torzhok in December 2010.

Russia ordered more than 140 Ka-52 helicopters for its air force in September 2011.

Russia plans to equip the French-built Mistral-class assault ships with Ka-52 helicopters by the end of 2012.

Avionics

The multi-functional avionics suite of Ka-52 consists of a multi-level digital computer-based system, a Topowl helmet-mounted sight display, observation, search and targeting systems.

The multiplexed bus system coordinates several tasks including piloting, navigation and weapons control on the battlefield.

Other systems include navigation and attack system for helicopters (NASH) and Nadir 10 navigation system.

The built-in control mechanism allows the crew to operate the helicopter in an autonomous mode in field conditions.

On-board flight information is displayed on two colour and two monochrome multi-function displays.

Weapon systems

The Ka-52 has six external wing stores for anti-tank missiles, rockets and air-to-air missiles.

The helicopter is armed with six laser-guided Vikhr anti-tank missiles and two B8V-20 rocket pods for S-8 80mm air-to-surface rockets.

Engines

Ka-52 is powered by two VK-2500 (TV3-117VMA-SB3) turbo-shaft engines rated at 1,863kW.

The prototype is fitted with two TV3-117VMA turbo-shaft engines.

The fuel tanks are made of explosion-proof materials.