Today we will speak about the atack helicopter Ka-52 "Alligator".
The Ka-52 Alligator is a next-generation reconnaissance and combat helicopter designed to destroy
tanks, armoured and non-armoured ground targets, and enemy troops and helicopters both on the
front line and in tactical reserves.
The helicopter can operate around the clock and in all weathers.
The Ka-52 can provide target acquisition and designation for helicopter teams and ground
troop command and control centres.
It can also provide fire support for troop landings, fly routine patrols and escort military
convoys.
Ka-52 Alligator is fitted with signature control devices as well as electronic and active counter-measures.
It meets the latest Russian and international standards for technical operation of military
helicopters.
The helicopter has a two-seat cockpit and can be flown by either pilot.
Its advanced flight capabilities – achieved in part thanks to its coaxial rotors – make
the helicopter highly manoeuvrable in limited space and thus able to adopt an advantageous
attack position.
The Ka-52 Alligator’s two VK-2500 turboshaft engines allow the helicopter to operate at
altitudes above 5,000m.
It has a static ceiling of 4,000m, and is able to take off and land in hot climates
and in high mountainous terrain.
The Alligator can also operate in cold climates and icy conditions.
The Ka-52 Alligator is equipped with the latest avionics suite and powerful offensive weapons
that can be configured for a wide range of combat missions.
The Ka-52 Alligator offers a high degree of protection to its crew, advanced automated
systems for ease of piloting, and is easy to service and maintain on the ground.
Armament: The aircraft has one 2A42 30 mm gun.
This automatic cannon is mounted near the centre of fuselage and carries 460 high-fragmentation,
explosive incendiary, or armour-piercing rounds.
The type of ammunition is also selected by the pilot in the flight.
Integrated 30 mm cannon is semi-rigidly fixed on the helicopter's side, movable only slightly
in elevation and azimuth.
Semi-rigid mounting improves the cannon's accuracy, giving the 30 mm a longer practical
range and better hit ratio at medium ranges than with a free-turning turret mount.
The fire control system automatically shares all target information in real time, allowing
one helicopter to engage a target spotted by another aircraft, and the system can also
input target information from ground-based forward scouts with personnel-carried target
designation gear.
Anti-tank armament are the twelve laser-guided Vikhr anti-tank missiles, with a maximum range
of some 8 km.
The laser guidance is reported to be virtually jam-proof and the system features automatic
guidance to target, enabling evasive action immediately after missile launch.