Polish press: Conflict in Ukraine showed that Ka-52 and Mi-28 attack helicopters work best in tandem
After the Russian Ministry of Defense began purchasing Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters, Western analysts could not understand why the Russian army needed two types of attack vehicles.
The conflict in Ukraine has shown that they work best in tandem
- noted in the publication Defense24.
Based on the footage of the use of helicopters during the special operation, the Polish observer believes that "despite many similarities in armament, equipment and capabilities, the Ka-52 and Mi-28N differ so much that they can complement each other, and not compete with each other."
Both machines are equipped with VK-2500 engines, however, they have different propeller systems. The Ka-52 is equipped with coaxial rotors, which, according to the author, significantly limits the maneuverability of the vehicle. During sharp turns, the upper and lower blades can collide, resulting in disaster. The Ka-52 is equipped with an ejection system, but not a single case of its use has been documented [maybe due to the fact that the examples of the defeat of the Ka-52 are isolated].
The armored Mi-28N is equipped with a traditional propeller system and is able to complete the flight even if it is significantly damaged. The helicopter is characterized by high maneuverability and speed, especially in horizontal flight.
A significant advantage of the Ka-52 is the L-370P2 [Vitebsk] on-board defense and anti-aircraft warning system. As a result of its use in Syria, it was also installed on the latest modification of the Mi-28NM, but the Mi-28N continue to use an outdated warning system that is ineffective against new anti-aircraft missiles.
The fire control systems of both helicopters are based on the same BAGET-53 on-board computer, however, they have a different configuration of the equipment that it controls. The Ka-52 is equipped with the Argument-2000 integrated digital system, which combines sensors, a targeting and acquisition system, as well as a navigation and flight control system. The optoelectronic system of the Ka-52 GOES-451 operates in the visible and infrared ranges and is connected to the Arbalet radar located on the nose of the vehicle. It allows not only mapping the terrain, facilitating flight at a minimum altitude, but also detecting weather anomalies and ground targets from a distance of up to 25 km and air targets up to 15 km. At the same time, both pilots, duplicating each other, have the same access to both flight control and weapons.
In the case of the Mi-28N, the division into a gunner and an armament operator is rigid, duplication of their work became possible only in the recently created combat training version of the Mi-28UB. The Mi-28N also does not have an airborne radar (appeared only in the export version of the Mi-28NE and the upgraded Mi-28NM). The machine has two optoelectronic systems. The OPS-28 is responsible for aiming, which is equipped with day and night observation devices, as well as a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager with a wide field of view and high resolution. The second OES is TOES-521, which is responsible for the control of missiles with radio command control.
As the author points out, the advantage of the Mi-28N is a much more advanced optoelectronic data processing system that allows you to automatically detect and track targets until they are eliminated. To this should be added the onboard communication system KSS-28N-1, which makes it possible to exchange data, including images, in real time with other helicopters and ground control points.
Although the Ka-52 has a more modern and versatile surveillance and aiming system, the Mi-28N equipment is more efficient in processing and transmitting data, allowing the operator to transmit information about targets to other aircraft and ground points in a visual form convenient for the operator.
- the observer notes.
According to him, the latest version of the Mi-28NM received the Arbalet radar, which is equipped with the Ka-52, which will significantly increase the ability to search for targets. The radar is placed above the rotor (and not in the nose of the machine like the Ka-52), providing a 360-degree view, and not just in the forward hemisphere.
Both vehicles are armed with 30mm aviation gun 2A42 with an effective range of up to 4 km. However, the Mi-28N has a stock of only 250 rounds, and the gun is placed under the nose with a wide horizontal travel (220 degrees) and a narrow vertical travel. As the author notes, the Ka-52 is unique in this part. The gun is located close to the center of gravity of the vehicle, which greatly improves the accuracy and stability of the platform in flight, and the ammunition supply is 460 rounds.
As for suspended weapons, the Ka-52 carries 2 tons of weapons on 6 pylons, and the Mi-28N is 400 kg less on 4 pylons. From the point of view of the main armament, the capabilities of both machines are close. The armor-piercing arsenal is based on supersonic missiles with radio command guidance 9M120 "Attack" with a range of 6 km. The Mi-28N can carry 16 units and the Ka-52 only 12, but the latter can replace them with 9K121 Vikhr-M missiles with a range of 10 km with laser guidance.
At the same time, in Ukraine, unlike Syria, unguided rockets are used more often, mainly 80-mm S-8. The Ka-52 can be armed with the Igla-V/S missiles, which are placed on the third, outermost pair of suspensions specially designated for them. At the same time, the Mi-28N can be armed with missiles only at the expense of other types of weapons.
Ka-52 takes a little more weapons and can hit objects from a greater distance, including air targets. The Mi-28N, on the contrary, is better armored and has more opportunities to exchange information received onboard. Therefore, in many frames from Ukraine, you can see helicopters of both types working together.
- indicates the author.
According to the observations of the observer, the Mi-28N usually flies as a leader, performing the function of reconnaissance and sometimes conducting reconnaissance in force. This is facilitated by good armor and efficient operation of the gun in the horizontal plane. The Ka-52 usually flies a little behind, but at a distance that allows you to cover or provide fire support to the leading vehicle.
The Ka-52 is a "hammer" that performs the last blow thanks to stronger weapons, and the good detection of targets by the leading Mi-28 vehicle and the data transmitted by it make it possible to negate the disadvantages of gun placement and use a larger supply of ammunition. Thanks to Igla-V missiles, the Ka-52 also provides escort for the Mi-28, protecting it from possible attacks by enemy aircraft or helicopters.
- the author believes, concluding that "both machines complement each other, and the upgraded versions of the Mi-28NM and Ka-52M currently being developed, eliminating some shortcomings, enhance the advantages of both helicopters."
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