Posted on 03/10/2015 6:20:42 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Pictures have emerged on Russian social networks showing the first test flight of the new Ka-52K Naval Attack helicopter. Based on the Ka-52 "Alligator" the K version has been specifically modified for the Russian Navy to operate the helicopters from the Mistral class LHDs.
Russian Navy's new Ka-52K Hokum B Naval Attack Helicopter during its first test flight
The navalised version of the Alligator features a folding rotor head and folding stub-wings. Other modifications are rumored to include the ability to launch Kh-31 (AS-17 'Krypton') and Kh-35 (AS-20 'Kayak') anti-ship missiles. Some reports also reported the installation of a Mig-35 fighter's Zhuk-A phased array radar in the nose of the Ka-52K.
The first test flight of the new Ka-52K took place on March 7 at the Progress Aresenyev Aviation Company 'Nikolai Sazykin' plant, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. The helicopter features a dark gray camouflage. The inscription on the tail "?? ??? ??????" means it belong to the Russian Navy Naval Aviation.
The helicopter features four hardpoints under its wings. Similar to the land forces version, the Ka-52K is fitted with a GOES-451 optronic sensor under the nose and a 2A42 30-mm automatic cannon.
The navalised version of the Alligator features a folding rotor head and folding stub-wings.
Image: Kamov
Intended originally to be deployed from the two Mistral class LHDs built in France, it is not clear what the Russian Navy will do if the two amphibious vessels are not delivered. Russian Ministry of Defence official have recently declared however that the Russian Navy has a need for Naval Attack helicopters and will use the Ka-52K regardless of the Russian Mistrals fate. It won't be possible for the Russian Navy to operate them from the future Ivan Gren-class landing ship (Project 11711). The Ka-52K will have to be shore based or deployed from Russian Navy's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov.
Russia and France signed a $1.6 billion deal for two Mistral-class ships in June 2011. The handover of the first ship, the Vladivostok, was scheduled for November 14, but did not take place.
On November 25, French President Francois Hollande postponed the delivery of the Vladivostok to Russia over the situation in Ukraine.
alligator?
Hokum?
Smoke ‘em.
What a piece... Probably going to be a nightmare for ship maintenance crews.
Aptly named...Hokum.
Looks cool!
I wonder what is the performance like?
Are any alligators native to Russia?
The old USSR?
..had me puzzled too
Glad to see the Russians are still adept at making UGLY...
If the counter rotate blades are anything like the “stealthy” Bear bomber, it won’t be long for a whole new class of deaf Ruski Aircrews and sailors.
And our Apache is a good looker?
The Rooskies are the last to stick with the counter rotating rotor blades. Easier to fly, higher payloads and more maneuverable as well as quieter. No torque or tail rotor failures to deal with, the latter deadly under power.
I will be curious to know what the specs on this thing are.
Ping!
Hokum!?
Absolutely worst name for an aircraft since Junkers.
This technology is around for 60 years or more. That exact platform is almost 30 years old.
I know that, anybody with any aviation history could tell. You should read what I said, the Russians are the only ones left using it.
We abandoned it in favor of the Sikorsky tail rotor for what was justified as simplicity. However, the tiny drive shaft that powers the tail rotor along with associated U joints and angle drives make it a prime candidate for failure as well as battle damage.
Hokum is the NATO code name for the helicopter. It isn't what the Russians call it.
Not the same tip velocity. Coax is an old idea that seems to be coming back here though the russkies have used it for a long time.. Kamov. Those little choppers are very efficient lifters. Not having to power the tail rotor supposedly is more efficient.
The Soviet/Russian navy has been using helos with coaxial rotors for nearly 40 odd years, so you won’t need a whole new class of sailors!
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