Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
The Commander of the Russian Air Force praised the Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter as the world’s best; the comments came during the aerial acrobatics contest “Aviadarts 2015” in the city of Voronezh, in the South-West of Russia.
Earlier this year Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin touted the country’s combat helicopters as the best such vehicles in the world.
He gave the thumbs-up after flying on board the Ka-52 Alligator, a next-generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter he touted as a “flying tank”.
Rogozin, who is has been in charge of Russia’s defense industry since 2011, said the helicopter is easily controlled and can boast advanced automated systems.
The Ka-52 Alligator (NATO Designation Hokum-B) is a next-generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter designed to destroy tanks, armored and non-armored ground targets, and enemy troops and helicopters both on the front line and in tactical reserves. It can be used both in reconnaissance and combat missions.
The helicopter can operate around the clock and in all weather. The Ka-52 can provide target acquisition and designation for helicopter teams and ground troop command and control centers. It can also provide fire support for troop landings, fly routine patrols and escort military convoys.
The Ka-52 Alligator is equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon, and can also carry laser-guided anti-tank missiles, short-range air-to-air missiles and other missiles or bombs.
The Ka-52 Alligator can travel at a speed of over 180 miles (290 kilometers) per hour and reach an operational ceiling of nearly 3.5 miles (over 5,000 meters).
The Ka-52 Alligator is a 2-seat version of the Ka-50 which uses a side by side layout common to transport helicopters instead of the front-and-rear layout common in attack helicopters.
This changes the helicopter’s aerodynamics somewhat, reducing its maximum speed from 310 km/h to 300 km/h (192 – 186 mph), and increasing fuel consumption slightly.
On the other hand, this change is expected to make it easier for the helicopter crew to perform battlefield observation and coordination roles.
The extra crewman in the Ka-52 forced some reductions in fuel, armoring, and gun ammunition; it carries 240 rounds for its fuselage-mounted 2A42 30mm cannon, instead of 470 in the Ka-50.
The Ka-52K is a naval variant that was supposed to operate from the Russian Navy’s Mistral-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessels.
