15 Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” helicopters landed in Syrian Battle ground

A fresh batch of Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopters have reportedly arrived to the Humaymim Military Airfields in Jableh, Latakia this morning.

These Russian manufactured choppers are highly regarded for their durability and effectiveness during reconnaissance missions.



The Ka-52 is billed as an armed reconnaissance and combat platform able to take on the roles of assault, Close-Air Support (CAS), convoy protection, and armed patrolling. The helicopter maintains its weaponry under its short wingstub assemblies which allow for four underwing hardpoints. Onboard countermeasures, including signature reduction features, chaff/flare dispensers, and crew/critical systems armoring enhances battlefield survivability.

The Alligator features the Kamov helicopter trademark coaxial main rotors arrangement (2 x three-bladed systems) which eliminate the need for a countering tail rotor unit (this also increased battlefield survivability to an extent). These main rotors are driven by 2 x Klimov VK-2500 series turboshaft engines which support "hot-and-high" operations as well as cold weather service. Performance includes a maximum speed of 300 kmh with a cruising speed nearing 260 kmh. Ferry range is 1,100 kilometers with a combat radius of about 460 kilometers. Its operational service ceiling reaches 5,500 meters.

The Ka-52 carries a 30mm 2A42-1 cannon along the starboard side of its fuselage. There is limited traversal given which requires the pilots to position the entire aircraft in the direction of fire but overall accuracy is said to be better than that of a turreted chin gun seen in other modern attack helicopters. Beyond this standard installation, the wingstubs of the helicopter support Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), rockets, rocket pods, gun pods, and cannon pods as required.

To date, the Ka-52 has only been adopted by the Russian Air Force with possible plans to feature it in the Russian Navy as well dependent upon successful procurement of a new amphibious warship / helicopter carrier. The Air Force is planning on a Ka-52 stock of 140 helicopters with the Navy adding a possible 40 more units.





Focus Model: Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum-B)
Country of Origin: Russia
Manufacturer: Kamov / Russian Helicopters - Russia
Initial Year of Service: 2010
Production Total: 84

Crew: 2

Length: 52.49 ft (16 m)
Width: 47.57 ft (14.50 m)
Height: 16.17ft (4.93 m)
Weight (Empty): 16,976 lb (7,700 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 23,810 lb (10,800 kg)

Powerplant: 2 x Klimov VK-2500 OR VK-2500P turboshaft engines developing 2,500 shaft horsepower each while driving 2 x three-bladed main rotors.

Maximum Speed: 186 mph (300 kmh; 162 kts)
Maximum Range: 684 miles (1,100 km)
Service Ceiling: 18,045 ft (5,500 m; 3.4 miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 0 feet-per-minute (0 m/min)

Hardpoints: 4
Armament Suite:
STANDARD:
1 x 30mm 2A42-1 fuselage gun (starboard side)

OPTIONAL:
8 x Air-to-Surface missiles OR 4 x Rocket Pods / Cannon Pods across four underwing hardpoints.

Variants:
Ka-52 "Alligator" - Base Series Designation

Operators:
Russia