Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum-B)

History of Kamov Ka-52 Crocodile (Hokum-B)

The Kamov Ka-52 "Hokum" (Hokum-B) is an improved variant of the original Ka-50 "Hokum" family of attack helicopters. While the Ka-50 uses a single-seat cockpit, the new brand's most notable difference is the two-seat side-by-side cockpit.

The development of this combat helicopter began in 1994 and the first flight record was made on June 25, 1997. While the Ka-52 includes a radar suite, an extra crew and a brand new name, it retains more or less the same form and function as the original.

Additionally, the platform supports an all-weather day and night attack environment, as its various upgrades include FLIR, TV sighting, helmet-mounted sighting, laser rangefinder and mast-mounted radar antenna.

The Ka-52 is designated as an armed reconnaissance and combat platform capable of conducting assault, close air support (CAS), escort and armed patrol missions. The helicopter keeps its weapons under its short tail assembly, which allows for four attachment points under the wing.

Airborne countermeasures, including the ability to reduce signature signatures, chaff/flare dispensers, and crew/critical system armor, improve battlefield survivability. Each pilot also received shock-absorbing K-37-800M ejection seats. The dual-seat arrangement features redundant motion controls, meaning each pilot can manage the flight control aspects of the helicopter. The avionics suite is ultra-modern (with a high degree of automation to reduce crew workload) and the weapons suite is flexible enough to support a wide range of weapons.

Shorter maintenance and repair times are also noted by ensuring better access to vital systems and components.

The Crocodile uses the Kamov helicopter's coaxial main rotor arrangement (2 x three-blade system), eliminating the need for a counter-rotating tail rotor unit (which also increases battlefield survivability to a certain extent). These main rotors are powered by 2 Klimov VK-2500 series turboshaft engines for "hot and hot" and cold weather operation. Performance includes a top speed of 300 km/h and a cruising speed of nearly 260 km/h.

The ferry has a range of 1,100 kilometers and 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 the fuselage. The travel required for the pilot to position the entire aircraft in the line of fire is limited, but the overall accuracy is said to be better than the turret chin guns found in other modern attack helicopters.

In addition to this standard installation, the helicopter's short wings can support anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), rockets, rocket pods, gun pods, and gun pods as needed.

So far, the Ka-52 has only been adopted by the Russian Air Force, and there may be plans to use it in the Russian Navy before successfully procuring new amphibious warships/helicopter carriers. The Air Force plans to have a Ka-52 inventory of 140 helicopters, and the Navy may add 40 more.

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