Ka-29 return to service

41

Navy and aviation industry continues a large-scale program of repair and modernization of transport and combat helicopters Ka-29. After restoration and updating, the equipment returns to operation and strengthens naval aviation. In recent years, the fleet of several units has been updated in this way, and soon the improved Ka-29s will replenish new units.

From project to operation


The future Ka-29 was created in the seventies; The first flight of the prototype took place in 1976. Serial production was launched in 1984 at the Kumertau Helicopter Plant. The equipment went off the assembly line until 1991, after which the production was suspended for an indefinite period - practically forever, new helicopters were no longer produced.



Already in 1985, the naval aviation of the USSR Navy received the first production Ka-29s and began their development. Then, measures were taken to develop methods of combat use. In August 1987, the new helicopter was officially adopted. By that time, the customer managed to get a significant part of the helicopters, due to which it was possible to equip several units.

In total in 1984-91. 59 serial Ka-29s were built. The bulk of them, 46 units, entered the Navy. Other helicopters were transferred to other structures of the Ministry of Defense. In particular, marine helicopters were studied at the 344th Center for Combat Use of Army Aviation (Torzhok).


In naval aviation, the Ka-29 served in combat units of the Northern, Baltic and Pacific fleets. The training units worked as part of the Black Sea. Subsequently, after the collapse of the USSR, this led to the division of technology between the two countries. Most of the helicopters remained in Russia, another 5 units. crossed to Ukraine.

Features of operation


A new type of transport and combat helicopter was created to support the actions of the marine corps. Ka-29s were supposed to deliver fighters to the shore and provide fire support with the help of cannon-machine gun, missile and bomb weapons. The passenger cabin accommodated 16 fighters with weapons; 4 kg of aviation weapons were located at 1850 points of the external suspension.

Depending on the task, helicopters could work from coastal airfields or from the deck of ships. The main carriers of the Ka-29 were considered large landing ships, pr. 1174 "Rhinoceros". Each of the three BDKs of this type could carry 4 helicopters - with the possibility of landing 64 soldiers. Also, helicopters flew from aircraft carriers of various types. Experiments were conducted with the operation of the Ka-29 on ships with a single take-off platform. They were turned off in 1987 after a crash.

Hard times


At the turn of the eighties and nineties, difficult times came for the armed forces in general and naval aviation in particular. First, the intensity of operation of various equipment fell, including Ka-29 helicopters. Then out of combat fleet The main part of aircraft-carrying ships capable of receiving military transport helicopters was launched. In addition, the collapse of the country led to the division of naval equipment.


All these events hit the state of the Ka-29 fleet and its prospects. Helicopters with special capabilities turned out to be unnecessary - and there was no opportunity to maintain their technical condition. The equipment was idle idle and its condition was constantly deteriorating. In the late nineties, the fleet transferred to the Internal Troops up to 15-16 helicopters.

Due to downtime and lack of proper maintenance, the state of helicopters was constantly deteriorating. The Navy was compelled to withdraw them from the military personnel with statement in reserve or with full write-off. As a result, by the end of the 10s, no more than 20-XNUMX cars remained in service.

It should be noted that even against the backdrop of the difficult events of the nineties, work continued on the development of helicopter technology. So, in 1997, two flying laboratories based on the Ka-29 were put out for testing, designed to develop techniques for the combat use of the attack helicopter Ka-50. One of them was carrying non-standard weapons, the other received a sighting and navigation system from the Ka-50 and became an airborne observation and target designation. In January-February 2001, a combat strike group consisting of two Ka-50s and the only Ka-29VPNTsU passed tests in real conditions of the Chechen conflict.

Modernization project


At the beginning of the two thousandths, it became known about the planned return of the Ka-29 helicopters to full service. It was proposed to repair and upgrade 10 vehicles for basing on the expected Mistral landing ships. To meet modern requirements, helicopters had to receive new electronic equipment and modern weapons. However, the detailed composition of the new electronic complex was not disclosed.


The first shipments of the repaired Ka-29 were handed over to the fleet in 2016-17. Now she serves in the Pacific and Baltic fleets. Then they carried out repairs and modernization of the Northern Fleet helicopters. According to The Military Balance, due to such events, the number of transport-combat helicopters in the ranks is close to three dozen.

The other day, Izvestia announced the expansion of the areas of operation of the Ka-29 helicopters. Starting next year, they are planned to be involved in the protection of the country's Arctic borders. Such tasks will be divided between parts of the Northern and Pacific fleets. Ka-29s from the 830th okclpl Northern Fleet will operate in the western regions; they will give other lines to the 317th mixed air regiment serving in Kamchatka.

Return to service


The transport and combat helicopter Ka-29 is quite old - its creation was completed in the early eighties. However, it is still not outdated and retains good potential. Timely modernization by replacing individual components and assemblies allows you to continue operation for a long time with the full realization of all the design capabilities.

In fact, the real "flying infantry fighting vehicle" is returning to full operation, capable of serving the marine corps in the special conditions of its operation. Ka-29 is not the only domestic helicopter capable of landing and supporting the landing, but it has important advantages over other models. So, the marine Ka-29 is more compact than the Mi-8 family, although it carries similar weapons. From the combat Mi-24, it compares favorably with the larger capacity of the landing cockpit. In addition, the Ka-29 is adapted to work on the sea and on the deck of the ship.


BDK "Ivan Rogov" with a helicopter on the aft platform, 1985

Such a rotorcraft platform, equipped with a modern sighting and navigation system and other equipment of the latest models, as well as compatible with current aviation weapons, is of great interest to the Navy. This interest has already led to the emergence of several orders and the modernization of drill equipment.

The process of returning the Ka-29 to service was launched several years ago and gives real results. The re-equipment of several units working in the main strategic areas has been carried out. In the near future, it will be possible to ensure the presence of military transport helicopters in the new region, in the Arctic. There they will be able to complement other equipment with other capabilities.

Generally story Ka-29 helicopter service is very interesting. A specialized machine with wide capabilities appeared on the eve of difficult times, which did not immediately realize its full potential. Nevertheless, after several decades, the necessary capabilities were found - and the Ka-29 will again be able to show itself in the best way.
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  1. +8
    2 July 2020 05: 13
    All-just, the modernization (in different manners) of the imprisonment of the Great Empire of the Labor People -SSSR ....
    1. +18
      2 July 2020 09: 28
      Just to blurt out. Do you propose to throw everything Soviet right away, although the resource allows you to operate the equipment further? This is normal world practice. Why spend money just to prove to fools that we can do it?
      1. +4
        2 July 2020 19: 59
        Normal turntable - will last a long time, with timely repair and modernization. Especially useful in the AWAC option.
    2. +4
      2 July 2020 14: 59
      Quote: Snail N9
      All-just, the modernization (in different manners) of the imprisonment of the Great Empire of the Labor People -SSSR ....

      And the USSR, in turn, was engaged in modernization in different ways of embedding the Russian Empire. The last major terminations were written off in the mid-50s.
      And one of the terminations still serves, moreover, it serves in fact, and not formally.
      1. -6
        2 July 2020 16: 43
        Yes, yes, I know: "The USSR could only produce galoshes itself," yeah ...
        1. +3
          2 July 2020 17: 58
          Ahahah. How funny you are. The man told you the facts, in response to empty phrases.
        2. +3
          2 July 2020 18: 00
          Quote: Snail N9
          Yes, yes, I know: "The USSR could only produce galoshes itself," yeah ...

          I recommend to see the composition of the artillery of the Red Army on 22.06.1941/XNUMX/XNUMX, especially the divisional howitzers.
          1. +2
            2 July 2020 19: 27
            I think the best example would be the ship of the Commune. 1915 put into operation and still serves.
            1. +1
              2 July 2020 20: 01
              So what? The vessels of the auxiliary fleet, so beloved by liberals of all stripes, mattresses, serve 50-60 years each. And this is the most powerful fleet, the richest country.
              1. 0
                2 July 2020 20: 39
                Only the same steel in quality and properties still can not do.
                1. 0
                  3 July 2020 18: 47
                  Shipbuilding steel, in terms of its chemical and physical properties, is almost the same everywhere. It all depends on timely and quality dock service and repair.
                2. -1
                  4 July 2020 18: 08
                  Quote: sanek45744
                  Only the same steel in quality and properties still can not do.

                  There were already articles on this topic: they can make such steel now, only now it is getting expensive. Under the tsar, we supplied our metal to England. But, as they say, everything has its time.
    3. +5
      2 July 2020 21: 32
      Quote: Snail N9
      All just upgrading


      that the laws of aerodynamics have changed or somewhere in the world invented a helicopter glider that increases the capabilities at times? .No has changed, and this despite the fact that the KA-29 at the time had and still has a unique coaxial screw system and, in the fire variant, is exported to the USA and Canada.
      Update on-board electronics and go ahead and invent a new helicopter glider for the gain of 1-2% in aerodynamics and then treat childhood diseases for decades, spending a lot of money stupid.
  2. 0
    2 July 2020 05: 37
    As a result, by the end of the 10s, no more than 20-XNUMX cars remained in service.

    Such a good spread in quantity
    Was it easier to write "No more than 20 cars"?
    1. +11
      2 July 2020 06: 25
      2 or 4? Also no more than 20. Salary up to 100 thousand, on hand 5, but is it really deceived?
      1. +4
        2 July 2020 06: 42
        - Givi, 2 + 2 how much will it be?
        - Sem .. eight .. but not more than 12
  3. +2
    2 July 2020 06: 00
    At one time, I was very pleased when I glued the Ka-29 model, and a cousin served on the BDK * Rogov * and * Nikolaev *, however, by the time the Ka-29 arrived, it had already been demobilized
  4. +5
    2 July 2020 06: 24
    on other resources they write that "modernization" is reduced to refurbishment-repair (replacement) of columns, engines, gearboxes. judging by the pictures, the guided missiles were aimed at the optical channel, and will continue. The Ka-29 as an aviation complex is a compromise helicopter, and its development and adoption are the consequences of the specifics of the supply and financing of the Navy and carrier-based aviation in particular.
    At present, interest in the Ka-29 is due to the fact that it is an available deck-based aviation complex that can use ASA on surface and coastal targets at ranges up to 5 km. Tasks in the Arctic must be completed now, but for now the deck 52nd will arrive
    1. +7
      2 July 2020 11: 51
      Quote: Nikolay R-PM
      At present, interest in the Ka-29 is due to the fact that it is an available deck-based aviation complex that can use ASA on surface and coastal targets at ranges up to 5 km. Tasks in the Arctic must be completed now, but for now the deck 52nd will arrive

      Interest in the Ka-29 is primarily due to the beginning (waiting for the start) of the construction of the first 2 domestic UDCs and new BDKs of increased VI (up to 7000 - 8000 tons). This is primarily a landing helicopter for the Marine Corps, armored - flying BMP, and not actually a combat / attack helicopter, like the Ka-52. For the Marine Corps, there is no other landing helicopter right now.
      There were plans to be based on the Ka-60 Mistrals, but this project has sunk into oblivion (its civilian version still will not go into production due to the lack of domestic engines), and it was not armored. And without weapons.
      For good, we should think about the possibility of resuming the construction of the updated version of the Ka-29 - it is difficult to come up with the best for the Marine Corps for deck aviation. And also for border troops, the Russian Guard and airborne airborne formations.
      In addition, Ka-31 AWACS helicopters were produced at its base, and such a helicopter is also needed by the reviving fleet, because there will be no aircraft carriers with AWACS for a very long time.
  5. +3
    2 July 2020 06: 30
    God grant, good luck in the service.
  6. +7
    2 July 2020 06: 56
    Not a single helicopter of this type has ever been in the internal troops of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Well, why invent such nonsense ???
  7. -16
    2 July 2020 07: 30
    Yeah...
    Well, if you have nowhere else to put money, you can
    and restore these helicopters. What for?
    Apparently, here the process is more important than the result ...
    1. +8
      2 July 2020 09: 41
      Give pregnant pensioners. Better for you.
      1. -8
        2 July 2020 10: 29
        What did you mean?
  8. 0
    2 July 2020 10: 37
    Most likely, a large upgrade is not practical, although there was an option with a 30mm gun.
  9. 0
    2 July 2020 11: 11
    Great car! Well, that upgrade! But it’s time to start doing something new!
  10. -4
    2 July 2020 11: 46
    Why can’t you use the Mi-35M or modifications of the Mi-8 in the fleet? Why create a separate helicopter?
    1. +4
      2 July 2020 11: 48
      Phantom 104 (Ilya Oryol), coaxial scheme is more compact.
      1. 0
        2 July 2020 13: 43
        understood thanks
    2. -6
      2 July 2020 11: 54
      There were dreams of using the Ka-29 for transportation and support of the Marine Corps, and indeed, it is more compact than other helicopters, but now the ships are over ...
      And when the ships appear, the helicopter will end. The idea is senseless, but it allows you to "master" the allocated money.
    3. +1
      4 July 2020 18: 13
      Quote: Phantom 104
      Why can’t you use the Mi-35M or modifications of the Mi-8 in the fleet? Why create a separate helicopter?

      Coaxial patterns have shown themselves better in crosswinds. In general, Kamov is better in naval aviation than Miles.
      1. 0
        4 July 2020 20: 02
        thanks for the clear explanation
      2. +2
        5 July 2020 21: 13
        Quote: Bad_gr
        Quote: Phantom 104
        Why can’t you use the Mi-35M or modifications of the Mi-8 in the fleet? Why create a separate helicopter?

        Coaxial patterns have shown themselves better in crosswinds. In general, Kamov is better in naval aviation than Miles.

        And not only in maritime aviation
  11. 0
    2 July 2020 13: 33
    Quote: URAL72
    Just to blurt out. Do you propose to throw everything Soviet right away, although the resource allows you to operate the equipment further? This is normal world practice. Why spend money just to prove to fools that we can do it?

    you’re wrong, I can’t say more, I’m sorry, you’ll understand why, carefully look at the resource of this equipment according to the USSR ETD and terms of operation, in areas with an aggressive marine climate and the far north, not more than 7 years of operation in the far north with transmission to the central lane, or the south and another 5 years ... everything else is a high danger and low reliability of components and assemblies ... what they are doing now it all affects the combat readiness, as in France until 1940 ... if I'm wrong, I ask in discussion ...
    1. 0
      3 July 2020 13: 11
      If not laziness, an excerpt from the ETD for this technique in the studio! Without sarcasm, Pts interesting.
  12. +1
    2 July 2020 14: 33
    I did not understand:
    "Due to the downtime and lack of proper maintenance, the condition of the helicopters was constantly deteriorating. The Navy was forced to withdraw them from the combat composition with placement in reserve or with complete decommissioning. As a result, by the end of the 10s, no more than 20-XNUMX machines remained in service."
    So 10 or 20 left?
    "The process of returning the Ka-29 to service was launched several years ago and is yielding real results. Several units operating in the main strategic directions have been re-equipped. In the near future it will be possible to ensure the presence of transport-combat helicopters in a new region, in the Arctic. There they will be able to supplement other equipment with different capabilities ".
    Again not clear.
    New cars coming out?
    Or is it all the same "10-20" presented as a panacea?

    Author!
    Wind up.
    But clarity did not increase.
    1. +4
      2 July 2020 16: 31
      It is rather a hint, they say, will be produced. The 29th beauty and modernize and his life for 100 years is enough.
      And the joke is not in the compactness of the coaxial scheme, but in principle the scheme without a tail rotor, which allows you to fly and hover in wind gusts, literally in a storm. Unique, right?
      As a student, I fell in love with the Ka-50, and still hasn’t let it go. And new engines, like them (Kakmovtsy), were never given. All KB Mil is fed. Here the answer lies, the potential of this scheme is not revealed at all, and therefore there are few devices.
  13. 0
    2 July 2020 21: 53
    Ka-29 return to service
    According to Wikipedia, a total of 59 of them were produced, and how many of them are "alive" at the present time? lol
  14. 0
    2 July 2020 23: 34
    and it pleases!!!!
  15. 0
    3 July 2020 18: 27
    A little off topic, but I’ll ask, it’s curious why in the USA there are a lot of helicopters on skids, and we only have wheels
    1. +13
      9 July 2020 00: 05
      Quote: Citatelle 2013
      in the USA there are a lot of helicopters on skids, and with us only on wheels

      Only light models are skiing - manufacturing and operation are cheaper and easier.

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