Flight Club: Kamov Ka-52 Hokum-B

Attack helicopter

The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter is a two-seat version of the Ka-50 Black Shark

Entered service	2008
Crew	2 men
*Dimensions and weight*
Length	13.53 m
Main rotor diameter	14.5 m
Height	4.95 m
Weight (empty)	~ 8 t
Weight (maximum take off)	10.8 t
*Engines and performance*
Engines	2 x TV3-117VMA turboshafts
Engine power	2 x 2 200 shp
Maximum speed	310 km/h
Service ceiling	5.5 km
Range (max payload)	520 km
Ferry range	1 200 km
Combat radius	?
Endurance	1 hour 40 minutes
*Armament*
Cannon	1 x 30-mm cannon (460 rounds)
Missiles	12 x Vikhr (AT-9 Spiral) anti-tank missiles / 4 x Igla-V air-to-air missiles
Other	rocket pods or bombs

The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (NATO designation Hokum-B) is a two-seat version of the Ka-50. It is a multi-role all-weather attack helicopter, capable operating in daytime and at night. Development started in 1994 and the type was first flown in 1997. The Ka-52 has been ordered for Russian service, and its small-scale series production commenced in 2008. However it is fielded in small numbers due to budget restrictions. By 2012 only 30 helicopters were delivered. This helicopter is also proposed for export customers.

The Ka-52 can be recognized from the Ka-50 by a wider nose and twin-seat cockpit. Seats are arranged side-by-side. This helicopter can be used as a trainer. Both pilots have full controls of the helicopter. Such arrangement also simplifies work during combat. The Ka-52 shares 85% of its airframe, parts, components and systems with the Ka-50. Most of the changes were made to the cockpit.

The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator is fitted with uprated TV3-117VMA turboshaft engines. The Hokum-B has unique maneuverability, which was derived from its two coaxial contra-rotating main rotors. It is among the most maneuverable helicopters in the world.

Armor of the Alligator withstands hits from 23-mm projectiles. Pilots are seated in ejection seats. It can also fly when one engine is disabled.

The Hokum-B has a battlefield management system. It can exchange data with with similar helicopters or other helicopter types, as well as third party sources. This helicopter is also intended as an aerial command post for a group of helicopters. It provides target detection and coordinates the attacks.

The Ka-52 retained all combat capabilities of its predecessor. It is armed with a side-mounted 30-mm cannon. There are six external hardpoints for different combinations of weapons, including anti-tank missiles (Vikhr, Vikhr-M), air-to-air missiles (Igla-V), rocket pods, bombs. For anti-armor missions it is armed with up to 12 Vikhr ATGMs. These have a range of up to 8 000 m and penetrate 950 mm of armor.

Variants

Ka-52K Katran, a proposed shipborne version. It was specially developed to operate from Mistral class amphibious assault ships. A prototype was completed for trials and evaluation in 2014. It made its first flight in 2015. This helicopter has shorter stub-wings, system that folds the rotor blades. Also some modifications were made to adapt this helicopter for naval environment. This helicopter can carry anti-ship missiles. Russian MoD ordered 32 of these helicopters. First 12 helicopters are planned to be delivered in 2015.