MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS-DEFENSE/. The Russian Aerospace Force's Kamov Ka-52 is the best attack helicopter in the world, We Are The Mighty portal writes.
The article analyzes the performance characteristics of the Russian Ka-52 rotorcraft. Speaking about American analogs, the journalists say that "they're all great, but there's a surprisingly strong case for Russia's Ka-52."
Flight capabilities
The portal notes that the Ka-52 is faster than the Apache, with a top speed of 196 mph against 173 mph. American journalists did not mention an important feature of Russia's Ka-52 Alligator helicopter - its high maneuverability. The Ka-52 is the only attack helicopter with coaxial rotors, which is a distinctive feature of Kamov-family rotorcraft. This increases flight performance, and the absence of a tail rotor simplifies the design and increases the helicopter's reliability.
According to the portal, the Russian helicopter has a slightly lower ceiling and a shorter flight range than the Apache.
Armament
According to the article, the Ka-52's Ataka antitank missile can tear through 950mm of armor, and the Vikhr can pierce 1,000mm of armor, while the Hellfire missile mounted on the Apache can pierce a reported 800mm of armor. The firing range of the US antitank missile is shorter than that of the Vikhr.
The Russian helicopter's antiship capabilities are highly praised. According to the portal, the Kh-35 has a much larger warhead at 320 pounds and an obscenely longer range at 80 miles, compared to the Hellfire.
The Kh-35E is a tactical antiship missile designed to destroy surface ships of various classes with a displacement of up to 5,000 tons. A distinctive feature of the missile is its versatility as it can be launched from surface ships as part of the Uran-E complex, Bal-E coastal mobile missile systems, as well as planes and helicopters. Due to its small size, the Kh-35E has low signature. The missile's low-altitude flight path, which does not exceed 10-15 m at the midcourse phase and 4 m at the final phase, and a special guidance algorithm make it difficult to detect and eliminate it. The missile receives target designation from both the carrier's on-board means and external sources and is equipped with an active radar seeker.
The Alligator helicopter will soon get the upgraded version of the antiship missile, the Kh-35UE, that will be able to hit targets at a distance of up to 260 km.
As the authors of the article note, another small point in the Ka-52's favor is that its rockets are a bit larger at 80mm instead of 70mm.
"So, yeah, the Ka-52 is a great helicopter. It can carry a wide range of weapons, it's fast, and it has a decent range and flight ceiling. And if you ever have to fly against it or fight under it, watch out. Especially if you're on a boat within 80 miles," the article reads.
About Ka-52 helicopter
The Ka-52 Alligator is designed for close support of troops on the battlefield. It is capable of attacking any targets using modern detection and target designation means. It can ensure security of vehicular convoys and landing operations and cover offensive actions of ground forces.
The Ka-52 can perform target reconnaissance, target distribution and target designation. It is equipped with signature management means, electronic counter countermeasures, and active countermeasures. The weight of the helicopter's payload is 2.5 tons.
In March 2016, several Ka-52 helicopters were deployed to Syria, where they took part in the counterterrorism operation. Visiting the Progress Aircraft Plant in Arsenyev on June 3, 2017, then-Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov noted that the Ka-52 had proven its effectiveness in Syria and it would be upgraded on the basis of its combat experience.
The Alligator has been actively used in the special military operation in Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry constantly demonstrates video footage of Ka-52 helicopters destroying strongholds, command posts, tanks and equipment of the Ukrainian army. Helicopters of the type are also escorting vehicular convoys and military cargo and providing air support for Russian units.