Kamov Ka - 50
Kamov Ka - 50
Kamov Ka - 50
Powerplants. Ka-50 - Two 1635kW (2190shp) Klimov TV3-117VMA turboshafts, driving two three-blade
counter rotating coaxial main rotors.
Performance. Ka-50 - Max speed 310km/h (167kt). Hovering ceiling out of ground effect 13,125ft. Combat
range 520krn (280nm). Endurance with standard fuel 1 hr 40min, endurance with auxiliary fuel 4hr.
Weights. Ka-50 - Normal takeoff 9800kg (21,605lb), max takeoff 10,800kg (23,810lb).
Dimensions. Ka-50 - Rotor diameter (each) 14.50m (47ft 7in), length overall rotors turning 16.00m (52ft 6in), height overall
4.93m (16ft 2in). Rotor disc area each 165.1 M2 (11 777.4sq ft).
Armament: One single barrel 30mm 2A42 gun on right side of the fuselage. Two hardpoints on each stub wing can carry a
variety of weaponry, including up to 80 S-8 80mm rockets in four packs, or 12 Vikhr-M (AT-12) tube launched laser guided
air-to-surface missiles. Other options include gun pods and AAMs.
Operators. Russia
History. The Ka-50 (or Hokum' in NATO parlance) is one of two attack helicopters (the other being the Mi-28) that were
developed against a Russian army requirement for a new close air support helicopter.
Design work on Kamov's first helicopter for the then Soviet army began in 1977, and the first prototype Ka-50, the V.80,
flew for the first time on July 27 1982. Characteristic of a Kamov helicopter, the Ka-50 features two counter rotating coaxial
main rotors, which negates the need for a tail rotor and allows the construction of a simpler, more compact airframe.
Unusually for an attack helicopter though, the Ka-50 is a single seater, Kamov incorporating some of the advanced auto
hover systems developed for its naval helicopters to reduce pilot workload. Another unique Ka-50 feature is the ejection
seat - the main rotors are jettisoned before the pilot's seat is ejected. More than 35% of the Ka-50's structure by weight is
of composites.
The Ka-50 was reportedly selected in preference to the Mil Mi-28 in 1986, although in early 1994 new competitive
evaluation trials between the two types began. Both are in low rate low rate series production. Kamov is also developing
the FLIR and NVG cockpit compatible Ka-50N.
The Russian army, concerned with the heavy workload imposed on the pilot of the Ka-50, sanctioned the development of a
two seater with all weather, day and night capability, the Ka-52. The Ka-52 is unique among dedicated attack helicopters in
that it seats two side by side. Approximately 85% of the airframe remains unchanged from the Ka-50. First flight was on
June 25 1997.
Kamov is actively marketing the Ka-50 as the Black Shark and the Ka-52 as the Alligator on the world market and they
may yet find their ways into service with Middle Eastern or African nations attracted to its relatively low purchase price."
The Ka-50 Helicopter is intended to engage various ground targets including armoured and soft-
skinned vehicles, as well as slow and low-altitude aerial targets. The helicopter is efficient in
performing combat missions in close vicinity to the enemy’s fire positions owing to its high agility, survivability and powerful
high-precision armament.
High survivability of the helicopter is ensured by various means. Coaxial configuration without tail rotor, related control
systems and gear box radically adds to the helicopter survivability. The main rotor blades made from super-strong plastics
are capable of sustaining several direct hits. Composite materials, free from secondary destruction effect (splinters) proper
to metals, amount to 35% of the helicopter load-carrying structure. In addition to bullet-proof 55mm thick glass the pilot’s
cockpit is fitted with the armoured plates that can withstand lateral hit of 20mm projectiles. Fuel tanks, control, auxiliary
power unit, hydraulic and other critical systems also have special protection. The landing gear and fuselage are designed
to absorb ground impact over-loads. With one engine damaged the helicopter still can fly on the one remaining engine. The
rotor swash plate control rods remain operational, even if one of them has sustained two large-calibre machine gun shot
holes.
Prominent heat suppressers over engine exhaust ducts are to reduce the IR signature.
The Ka-50 is fitted with the world’s first helicopter emergency rescue system (the K-37 ejection seat, rocket-operated
parachute system, jettisonable main rotor blades) intended to safely eject the pilot in flight and at the ground.
Avionics
The Ka-50 helicopter is equipped with advanced flight control, fire control and navigational systems allowing round-the-
clock flights in any weather conditions.
The heart of the Ka-50 helicopter avionics is its precise target designation system with digitally coded communications
equipment, to ensure secured data exchange between helicopters, and ground command posts. Each helicopter flying in
formation, is displayed with its coordinates and heading indicated. When any of the helicopters picks up a target, the
respective data is automatically furnished to the rest of the group enabling the commander to select the attach pattern and
designate targets.
The head-up display and helmet-mounted target designation system provide the pilot with the integrated data necessary
for the “nap-of-the-earth” flying and weapons control.
The advanced SHKVAL Automatic Sighting System ensures target detection and identification, precise guidance of the
VIKHR ATGMs and use of 2A42 gun. The IR imager pod is mounted on the helicopter to provide for effective firing from all
types of armament at night.
Armament
The Ka-50 can carry differentvariants of payload with total weight of about 2,000 kg on four underwing pylons. The pylons
can be tilted downward to 10 degrees. Fuel tanks can be mounted, if necessary, on all the suspension points. Due to
increased ATGM engagement range and high resolution of the sighting system the Ka-50 pilot is able to engage hostile
armoured units at stand-off distances.
The Ka-50 fire power is based essentially on VIKHR Supersonic Antitank Laser-beam Guided Missiles with a maximum
range of 8 to 10 km and a flexibly mounted 30 mm gun.
The combined warhead of the VIKHR Missile is fitted with different fuses. High accuracy jam-proof guidance system
ensures effective engagement of different ground targets (with 900mm Explosive Reactive Armour) as well as the airborne
targets flying at a speed of up to 800 km/h. The pilot selects required fuse in flight. The VIKHR guided missiles also are
efficiently used to kill air targets, such as helicopters and strike aircraft, thus rendering air cover to friendly troops over the
battlefield. The 2A42 Gun is standardised with the gun of the Army’s BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle. The pilot can select
rate of fire, and type of ammunition supplied from two boxes loaded with armour-piercing and HE fragmentation rounds.
Maintenance
The time and workload problems of ground personnel preparing the aircraft for combat mission have been successfully
solved. Electric hoists built in the pylons facilitate suspension of weapons weighing up to 500 kg. The supersonic missiles
are suspended as an integral block; the stowage process of the belted ammunition into the boxes is simplified and
mechanised. The on-board equipment is easily accessible for field inspection and servicing at ground level through large
hinged door panels on the fuselage skin.
The Ka-50 is designed for long-time operation away from base airfields on unprepared pads.
According to Russian Air Force specialists and foreign experts, the Ka-50 is not merely another combat rotary craft: it
presents a new trend in helicopter construction and Army aviation tactics. In terms of tactical and technical characteristics,
the Ka-50 combat helicopter clearly outperforms its foreign competitors.
Crew, persons 1
Armament:
2A42 Gun: 30
calibre, mm 460
velocity supersonic
quantity 12
calibre, mm 80
model “Igla-V”
quantity 4
(source: Rosvooruzhenie)
Type
Attack helicopter.
Programme
Project launched in December 1977 as V-80 (Vertolyet 80: Helicopter 80); first prototype (010) built by Kamov bureau and
hovered at Lyubertsy 17 June 1982 and flew on 23 July, powered by TV3-117V engines; second prototype (011) flew 16
August 1983 with TV3-117VMA engines and mockup of Shkval tracking system, Merkury LLLTV, cannon and K-041
sighting system; both prototypes wore painted `windows' to simulate fictitious rear cockpits. Initially reported in West in
mid-1984, but first photograph did not appear (US Department of Defense's Soviet Military Power) until 1989.
First prototype lost in fatal accident on 3 April 1985; replaced by third prototype (012) with Mercury LLTV system for state
comparative test programme against Mil Mi-28, which completed in August 1986. Two preproduction V-80Sh-1s (014 and
015) were first to be built at Arsenyev and introduced UV-26 chaff/flare dispensers; second had K-37-800 ejection system
and mockup of LLLTV in articulated turret. Ordered into production in December 1987. Further three for continued
development work comprised 018 (first flown at Arsenyev 22 May 1991), 020 `Werewolf' and 021 `Black Shark'. (Export
marketing name was originally Werewolf, but changed to Black Shark by 1996.) State tests of Ka-50 began in mid-1991
and type was commissioned into Russian Army Aviation in August 1993 for trials at 4th Army Aviation Training Centre,
Torzhok. In August 1994, the Ka-50 was included in the Russian Army inventory by Presidential decree, judged winner of
the fly-off against Mi-28. The Mi-28 was nominally terminated on 5 October 1994 but the competition continued.
Further army evaluation followed when first two of four production Ka-50s were funded in 1994 and officially accepted on
28 August 1995; third and fourth received in 1996; these four numbered 20 to 23 (prompting preseries 021 to be
renumbered 024 to avoid confusion). Arsenyev production was to have increased to one per month during 1997, but this
did not occur. The original Ka-50 (and rival Mi-28A) were overtaken by the issue of a revised requirement which
emphasised night capability - favouring the two-seat Mi-28. The initial order for 15 Ka-50s was reportedly cancelled in
September 1998, with procurement postponed until 2003. Three deployed to Mozdok during 1999 for use in Chechnya.
Klimov VK-3000 turboshaft offered as alternative power plant.
Current Versions
Customers
Four for Russian Army service trials, plus eight flying prototype and preseries helicopters; all delivered. Further 10 ordered
in 1997 budget and six in 1998, of which first three were due for delivery before end of 1998; initial helicopter eventually
completed in June 1999. One army helicopter lost in accident, 17 June 1998; attributed to rotor clash.
Costs
Unit price of Ka-50N quoted as between US$12 million and US$15 million in mid-1999.
Design Features
World's first single-seat close support helicopter. Coaxial, contrarotating and widely separated semi-rigid three-blade
rotors, with swept blade tip, attached to hub by steel plates; small fuselage cross-section, with nose sensors; flat-screen
cockpit, heavily armour protected by combined steel/aluminium armour and spaced aluminium plates, with rearview mirror
above windscreen; small sweptback tailfin, with inset rudder and large tab; high-set tailplane on rear fuselage, with
endplate auxiliary fins; retractable landing gear; mid-set unswept wings, carrying ECM pods at tips; four underwing weapon
pylons; engines above wingroots; high agility for fast, low-flying, close-range attack role; partially dismantled can be air-
ferried in Il-76 freighter. Much of fuselage skin formed by large hinged door panels, providing access to interior equipment
from ground level.
Flying Controls
Structure
Fuselage built around steel torsion box beam, of 1.0 m (3 ft 3ј in) square section. Wing centre-section passes through
beam. Cockpit mounted at front of beam, gearbox above and engines to sides. Carbon-based composites materials
constitute 35 per cent by weight of structure, including rotors. Approximately 350 kg (770 lb) of armour protects pilot,
engines, fuel system and ammunition bay; canopy and windscreen panels are 55 mm (2ј in) thick bulletproof glass.
Landing Gear
Hydraulically retractable tricycle type; twin-wheel steerable nose unit and single mainwheels all semi-exposed when up; all
wheels retract rearward; low-pressure tyres.
Power Plant
Two 1,633 kW (2,190 shp) Klimov TV3-117VMA turboshafts with VR-80 main reduction gearbox and two PVR-800
intermediate gearboxes, with air intake dust filters and exhaust heat suppressors. Later use of 1,838 kW (2,465 shp) TV3-
117VMA-SB3 turboshafts intended. Two primary fuel tanks, filled with reticulated foam, inside fuselage box beam. Total
internal capacity approximately 1,800 litres (485 US gallons; 404 Imp gallons). Front tank feeds port engine; rear feeds
starboard and APU. Each tank protected by layers of natural rubber. Provision for four 500 litre (132 US gallon; 110 Imp
gallon) underwing auxiliary fuel tanks. Transmission remains operable for 30 minutes after oil system failure.
Accommodation
Double-wall steel armoured cockpit, able to protect pilot from hits by 20 and 23 mm gunfire over ranges as close as 100 m
(330 ft). Interior black-painted for use with NVGs. Specially designed Zvezda K-37-800 ejection system, ostensibly for safe
ejection at any altitude (actually from 100 m; 330 ft); following explosive separation of rotor blades and opening of cockpit
roof, pilot is extracted from cockpit by large rocket; alternatively, he can jettison doors and stores before rolling out of
cockpit sideways. Associated equipment includes automatic radio beacon, activated during ejection, inflatable liferaft and
NAZ-7M survival kit.
Systems
All systems configured for operational deployment away from base for up to 12 days without need for maintenance ground
equipment; refuelling, avionics and weapon servicing performed from ground level. AI-9V APU for engine starting, and
ground supply of hydraulic and electrical power, in top of centre-fuselage. Anti-icing system for engine air intakes, rotors,
AoA and yaw sensors; de-icing of windscreen and canopy by liquid spray.
PrPNK Rubikon (L-041) piloting, navigation and sighting system based on five computers: four Orbita BLVM-20-751s for
combat and navigation displays and target designation, plus one BCVM-80-30201 for WCS. Incorporates PNK-800 Radian
navigation system, with C-061K pitch and heading data, IK-VSP-VI-2 speed and altitude and PA-4-3 automatic position
plotting subsystems. Series 3 Tester U3 flight data recorder. Ekran BITE and warning system. KKO-VK-LP oxygen system
with 2 litre (0.07 cu ft) supply for 90 minutes. Electrical supply from two 400 kW generators at 115 V 400 Hz three-phase
AC; 500 W converter; rectifiers for 27 V DC supply.
Avionics
Armament
Four BD3-UV pylons on wings. Up to 80 S-8 80 mm air-to-surface rockets in four underwing B8V20A packs or 20 S-13 122
mm rockets in four B-13L pods; or up to 12 9A4172 Vikhr-M (AT-12) tube-launched laser-guided ASMs with range of 8 to
10 km (5 to 6.2 miles) capable of penetrating 900 mm of reactive armour; or mix of both; Vikhr launched from trainable
UPP-800 mounts, which can be depressed to -12є; single-barrel 30 mm 2A42 gun on starboard side of fuselage, with up to
470 armour-piercing or high-explosive fragmentation rounds, can be depressed from +3є 30' to -37є in elevation and
traversed from -2є 30' to +9є in azimuth hydraulically and is kept on target in azimuth by tracker which turns helicopter on
its axis; two ammunition boxes in centre-fuselage. Front box contains 240 AP rounds, rear box 230 HE rounds. Selectable
rapid (550 to 600 rds/min) or slow (350 rds/min) fire, with bursts of 10 or 20 rounds. Provision for alternative weapons,
including UPK-23-250 23 mm gun pods, Igla or R-73 (AA-11 `Archer') AAMs, Kh-25MP (AS-12 `Kegler') ARMs, FAB-500
bombs or dispenser weapons.
Dimensions, External
Areas
Performance
Max speed:
with max internal fuel 280 n miles (520 km; 323 miles)
g limit +3.5
MANUFACTURER DETAILS
ulitsa 8-go Marta 8, Lyubertsy, 140007 Moskovskaya oblast Tel: (+7 095) 700 32 04 and 171 37 43 Fax: (+7 095) 700 30
71 and 700 31 10 e-mail: kb@kamov.ru Web: http://www.kamov.ru
General Designer: Sergei V Mikheyev, PhD Deputy General Designer: Beniamin A Kasyanikov Chief Designers: Boris
Gubarev (Ka-115) Vyacheslav Krygin Evgeny Pak Aleksandr Piorzhnikov Grigory Yakemenko (Ka-50) Evgeny Sudarev
Formed in 1948, this OKB continues work of Prof Dr Ing Nikolai Ilyich Kamov. All Kamov helicopters in current service
have coaxial contrarotating rotors; Ka-60/62, under development, have single main rotor, with anti-torque Fenestron. Latest
product to take to the air is the Ka-60, on 24 December 1998, but it was reported in September 2000 that a new transport
helicopter, to compete against Western NH90 and S-92, is under development. Since 1996, Kamov has been a member of
the RSK `MiG' consortium (which see). It is 49 per cent state-owned, and its design bureau and experimental construction
plant employed 2,500 people in 1998. There are plans for separation from RSK `MiG' and integration with those factories
producing Kamov helicopters, namely the Arseneyev factory (Ka-50) and the Kumertau factory (Ka-32 family) as well as
the Voronezh Mechanical Plant, which produces gearboxes, and the Stupino Metallurgical Plant, which makes rotors and
propeller assemblies. The affiliated Aero-Kamov Air Transportation Company (Tel/Fax: (+7 095) 700 31 60) operates a
fleet of Ka-32s for diverse tasks, including firefighting, and has helicopters based in Russia, Canada and South Africa.
MANUFACTURER DETAILS
prospekt Lenina 5, 692335 Arsenyev, Primovsky Kray Tel: (+7 423) 612 48 97 Fax: (+7 423) 612 61 30