Obvious interest and lack of competition. Possible delivery of Ka-52K to China
Ka-52K at the Army-2015 exposition. Photo Wikimedia Commons
Russia and China are linked by long-term and mutually beneficial relations in the military-technical sphere. They may continue in the near future thanks to the appearance of another contract. This time we are talking about possible deliveries of dozens of Ka-52K Katran attack helicopters. With their help, the PLA Navy will be able to close one of the most important niches in the sea aviation.
According to press reports ...
In September 2017, an official delegation from China visited the Russian Progress plant (Arseniev) for the first time. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the Foreign Ministry got acquainted with the production sites and products of the enterprise. Of particular interest to the military and diplomats was the ship's helicopter Katran - at that time the newest modification of the Ka-52 Alligator.
However, that visit had no real consequences. The interest of the Chinese military did not lead to the start of negotiations or the emergence of contracts for the supply of equipment. Moreover, over the next few years, the PLA and Ka-52K in the news together were not mentioned. Promising reports only surfaced a few weeks ago.
A characteristic feature of the Cartan is the foldable carrying system. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
On September 16, the Russian Internet publication Avia.pro, without citing any sources, reported that "China has announced a large-scale purchase of Russian Ka-52K helicopters." It is noted that the naval forces of the PLA are interested in Russian "Katrans". They watched the combat use of the Ka-52, and also studied the special capabilities of its ship version. Also, the Chinese delegation visited the manufacturing plant and studied the Ka-52K.
It is argued that now a contract for the supply of at least 36 Russian helicopters is likely to appear. Such equipment should be included in the aviation groups of the newest universal amphibious assault ships of the "075" type.
Chinese needs
On September 21, the news about the possible appearance of the contract was developed by the Chinese edition of the South China Morning Star. It cites the comments of experts in the military field, incl. an unnamed source close to the military. In general, they positively assess the Ka-52K helicopter itself and its possible deliveries.
Experts told SCMP that the new Type 075 UDC is in need of a heavy attack helicopter, and the fleet is looking for suitable vehicles of this class. Quite a long time ago, the PLA Navy began to study the possibility of purchasing Russian equipment. If an order for the Ka-52K appears, then the countries will once again expand their military-technical cooperation.
Foldable wing and missile launcher. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
Experts recalled that the Ka-52K is the first Russian attack helicopter with folding blades of the carrier system and a wing - this saves space on the carrier ship, incl. at UDC "Type 075". The helicopter is protected from sea water and corrosion, and also has a take-off weight of 1,4 tons more than that of the base Ka-52. In addition, the Katran is the only vehicle of its class equipped with an ejection seat.
An unnamed source close to the PLA confirmed that the fleet is in need of a heavy deck-based attack helicopter. At the same time, according to him, the Chinese industry cannot yet offer equipment of this class that meets the requirements of the new UDC. In such a situation, it remains to rely only on a foreign manufacturer.
The source believes that the contract for the Katrana will be beneficial to both parties. Russia will receive money for the development of its defense industry, and China will acquire the necessary equipment. The latter will allow the PLA to accelerate rearmament and gain time.
Thanks to the Ka-52K or other similar helicopters, the UDC "075" will become full-fledged combat units with the widest capabilities. Such ships will help the Navy to solve the assigned military-political tasks in all strategic directions.
Ka-52K during tests on the Admiral Kuznetsov. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
It is curious that the contract for Ka-52K helicopters may become the third in terms of cost in stories Russian-Chinese military-technical cooperation. According to SCMP and other publications, the cost of such an agreement will be at least $ 720 million. Beijing paid more only for S-400 anti-aircraft systems and Su-35 fighters.
Two helicopters
It is not yet clear whether a Russian-Chinese contract will appear. However, interest in the Ka-52K helicopter from another foreign fleet quite understandable and even expected. Katran is distinguished by its high performance and wide capabilities, and besides, it has a minimum of foreign competitors in its field.
The Ka-52K is a modified version of the Alligator with a number of innovations required for operation on a ship. Folding elements of the support system and wing are used, anti-corrosion treatment of the units is applied, the set of devices is adjusted, etc. Two engines with a capacity of 2400 hp. provide high flight performance. The maximum speed reaches 300 km / h, the practical range is 460 km.
The helicopter has a developed sighting and navigation system based on the Arbalet radar. With a takeoff weight of approx. 12 tons of the vehicle carries 2 tons of weapons. There is a built-in 30-mm cannon and four external sling units. Like the Alligator, the deck-based Katran can carry both guided and unguided missiles of various types. Depending on the type of weapons, the helicopter hits targets at ranges of up to 8-10 km, which makes it possible to carry out strikes from outside the enemy's air defense zone.
The regular Ka-27 air group and the Ka-52K being tested. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
Among all the Chinese developments, the Changhe Z-52 attack helicopter is the closest to the Ka-10K in terms of characteristics. It entered service with the army aviation about 10 years ago and is still actively used. Probably, there is a fundamental possibility of creating a deck modification, but nothing is known about such a project.
In terms of flight and combat qualities, the Z-10 is noticeably inferior to the Russian Katran. Its maximum take-off weight is only 7 tons, and its combat load does not exceed 1,5 tons. Compatible guided missiles, at best, do not exceed similar Russian models. Due to the greater thrust-to-weight ratio and fuel reserve, the Ka-52K surpasses the Chinese aircraft in flight performance.
Obvious interest
Building new landing ships, the PLA Navy faced difficulties in the field of carrier-based aircraft. There are two ways out of this situation. The first is the development of a completely new deck-based helicopter, the characteristics of which meet the needs and requirements of the Type 075 UDC. Such measures will help support its own industry and protect the fleet from negative factors associated with imports. However, they take time and money.
The second way out is faster and, probably, cheaper - the purchase of a ready-made foreign sample that meets the existing requirements. This scenario has its advantages and is quite realistic. China does not hesitate to turn to third countries for help if such cooperation is needed now or will yield positive results in the future.
"Katran" in flight. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
There are a number of combat helicopters with different characteristics on the international market. However, it is the Russian Ka-52K that stands out favorably against the background of competitors due to the high level of characteristics and a set of features required for operation on ships. In general, Katran is the best choice on the market.
Pending contracts
Since its inception, the deck-mounted Ka-52K has regularly participated in exhibitions and has invariably attracted the attention of foreign military personnel. In the wake of these events, several times there were reports of the possible appearance of export contracts. However, so far there is only one order. The starting foreign buyer of "Katrans" was Egypt, which plans to form a combat-ready air group for its Mistral-type UDCs.
The second customer can be China - if, of course, the latest news are not ordinary rumors and correspond to reality. It is clear that the Chinese order will bring significant profits to our industry. In addition, it will have a positive effect on Katran's reputation in the international market. Foreign countries will be shown that such equipment is of interest even for a modern and developed army, represented by the PLA. However, it will be possible to speak about obtaining all the desired results only after the signing of the contract.
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