RUSSIAN COMBAT HELICOPTERS: 21st CENTURY

Valery Mikhailov
 

We are confident that the Mi-28N, Ka-50 and Ka-52 are the result of the most advanced ideas in helicopter design which will certainly be included in the list of the best military aircraft of the 21st century.

Russian combat helicopters, such as the Mil Mi-28N, Kamov Ka-50 and Ka-52 fully meet these modern warfare requirements. The Mi-28N, the latest combat helicopter from the distinguished Mil Design Bureau, was built upon the unique experience accumulated by Mil during the development of the Mi-24 combat transport (versions Mi-25 and Mi-35) which was used in more than 30 local wars and military conflicts in various world regions.

Although the Mi-28N eventually gave way to the Ka-50 in the Army-held tender, the Mil Design Bureau continued developing the machine and after re-engineering some parts and units proceeded with successful tests. New components include the reduction gearbox designed to transmit more power to the main rotor, a more efficient main rotor blades with swept tips, and an advanced electronic engine control system.

However, Mi-28N's main feature is a completely new integrated avionics suite which enables it to accomplish combat missions day and night, in any weather, and at extremely low altitudes due to the automated relief-following and obstacle avoidance capabilities.

The ability of this helicopter to fly at less than a 20 m altitude over cross-country in an automated mode makes the helicopter virtually invulnerable to enemy air defenses, while a single main rotor configuration significantly reduces its radar signature.

The surveillance and sight station provides for the detection and identification of targets even in complete darkness, as well as the launch of guided missiles and accurate gun firing. The Mi-28N's main armament is represented by 16 supersonic missiles guided by a narrow radio beam virtually immune to jamming. The missile is capable of destroying armored vehicles, including those protected by reactive armor.

The helicopter can carry four pods with eighty 80mm rockets (20 rockets in each pod), or twenty 130mm rockets (5 rockets in each pod), as well as "fire-and-forget" air-to-air missiles.

Another one of the Mi-28N's prominent features is its unique combat survivability. Tests have demonstrated that the armored glass which protects both crew cockpits can resist several hits by 12.7mm machine gun bullets fired virtually point-blank. It can also withstand hits by 20mm projectile fragments.

Passive self-defense against IR homing missiles includes engine exhaust screens which reduce the helicopter's IR signature 2.5 times compared to that of the Mi-24.

Users confirm that the Mi-28N's most remarkable features are its multirole capability, as well as rugged structure, reliability and serviceability in various field conditions. Compared to foreign competitors, the Mi-28N is available at a lower price, its spare parts are cheaper and operating costs are significantly lower.

On the eve of the 21st century the Ka-50 Black Shark, designed by the renowned Kamov Design Bureau, became a conceptual combat helicopter for Russia's defense industry. The ideas implemented in this helicopter outstrip all existing designs by a large margin.

Kamov has been for years the main supplier of shipboard combat helicopters for the Russian Navy. The specifics of a helicopter shipboard operation include: long-term autonomous shipboard cruise; takeoff and landing on rocking pad under up to 6-force gale, day and night; aggressive sea water fog environment; combat missions executed hundreds kilometers away from carrier ship, often in stormy weather, have been accommodated by Kamov naval helicopter. Other advantages include: simplicity in operation; exclusive maneuverability, provided by coaxial main rotor; unique corrosion protection; high reliability of the helicopter systems; etc. These features were also implemented in the Ka-50 army combat helicopter.

The Ka-50 design implemented unique technologies and advanced solutions. This is the first single-seat combat helicopter in the world which is being continuously improved by the highest avionics technology.

Many features of the Ka-50 represent the Kamov's and Russia's know-how, and are unparalleled anywhere in the world. These features include: a unique coaxial main rotor, advanced ejection seat systems, and a high-accuracy gun which surpasses all of its counterparts in terms of accuracy and jamming-resistance, as well as radio-beam riding antitank missiles.

The Ka-50 underwent all kinds of tests and is now in production. It was commissioned into service with the Russian Armed Forces and cleared for export sales. The Ka-50 helicopter operated in Russia is equipped with Russian-made avionics and armament suites and is being continuously modernized. Farnborough '98 saw the Ka-50's new cockpit outfitted with advanced avionics equipment under development by Russian firms and Gec Marconi which will meet all Western standards.

Beginning from 1997, the Ka-50 and Ka-52 helicopters have taken part in almost all combat helicopter tenders, for example, in one such tender proposed by Turkey. The Ka-50 version for this tender is equipped with combat avionics system from IAI (Israel).

The Ka-50 has no match in mountainous and hot climate areas, as well as in coastal zones.

Kamov has also developed a two-seat version of this series-produced helicopter: the Ka-52, which retained all the flight and tactical advantages of its predecessor, will serve as basic model for a large number of versions to fit the requirements of the modern battlefield. The Russian Army considers the Kamov family of helicopters as the backbone of its combat aviation.

We are confident that the Mi-28N, Ka-50 and Ka-52 are the result of the most advanced ideas in helicopter design which will certainly be included in the list of the best military aircraft of the 21st century.