Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Russia’s Ka-52 Alligator Scout-Attack Helicopters



The Ka-52 “Alligator” is a 2-seat version of the Ka-50, using 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 maximum speed from 310 km/h to 300 km/h (192 – 186 mph), and increasing fuel consumption slightly.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-52’s later development is expected to allow it to take advantage of Klimov’s uprated TV3-117VMA-SB3 turboshafts, however, which offer 1,863kW each instead of the earlier 1,633kW TV3-117VMA.Armaments are mounted on 4 underwing and 2 wingtip hardpoints, and controlled by a helmet-mounted sight. Options include fuel tanks, jamming and self-defense pods, Igla-V (SA-18) air-air missiles, 9K121 Vikhr (AT-16) anti-armor missiles, and B8V-20 80mm rocket pods that can carry 20 rockets each.

Full story : defenseindustrydaily.com

Saturday, September 17, 2011