The Ka-52 Alligator is the two seat and more advanced version of the Ka-50 Hokum. In the 1980s it was designed
to conduct battlefield reconnaissance, provide target designation, support and co-ordinate group attack helicopter operations. One of the Ka-52´s special features is that it is equipped with two ejection seats, if the pilots activate them, the coaxial rotors are blown off; the Ka-50 Hokum, the Ka-52´s precursor was the first attack helicopter that was equipped with an ejection seat. Unlike in conventional attack helicopters, the pilots don´t sit behind each other, in the Ka-52 they are sitting side by side.
Development[]
The Ka-52 Alligator was developed from the single seat Ka-50 Hokum. Because the two pilots are sitting side by side, the fuselage was widened. Even if the prototype had it´s first flight in 1997, production began on 29th October 2008. After that, the prototypes were equipped with other systems, for new testing. Currently production and testing until operational status of a single Ka-52 Alligator lasts for 9 months.
Specifications[]
| Manufacturer | Kamov |
| Rotor diameter | 14.5 m |
| Length | 16 m |
| Height | 4.95 m |
| Empty weight | 7,700 kg |
| Loaded weight | 10,400 kg |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11,900 kg |
| Maximum speed | 310 km/h |
| Service ceiling | 5,500 m |
| Rate of climb | 13.2 m/s |
| Range | 1,200 km |
| Engines | Two Klimov WK-2500 |
| Power engines | 2,700 horsepower each |