Modern Russian attack helicopters
One of the most important points of the current State Armaments Program (LG) is the supply of over 1100 helicopters. By 2020, the domestic defense industry should transfer to the armed forces precisely this amount of rotorcraft. Deliveries have already begun and helicopters of seven types and modifications are being sent to the troops. By the end of the State Program, the number of types may increase by one and a half to two times. Special attention during the procurement of new helicopters is paid to the percussion machines. Until recently, the task of supporting troops and enemy attacks was assigned only to the “old man” Mi-24 and its modifications. Now, the air force receives three types of combat helicopters, differing from each other in characteristics, equipment and strike capabilities. These are Mi-35M (deep upgrading of Mi-24, also known as Mi-24ВМ), Mi-28Н and Ka-52. Just a few years ago, one could hope to continue the construction of the Ka-50 helicopter, but as a result it was discontinued in favor of a newer and more advanced Ka-52. Let's try to carefully consider the available attack helicopters, compare and evaluate their capabilities. Unfortunately, some of the technical information on the latest helicopters has not yet become public knowledge, so you will have to be content with only the official data available, even if they are incomplete.
Flight performance
Considered machines vary considerably in a constructive aspect. The machines of the company “Mil” are made according to the classical scheme with the main and tail screws. They are also equipped with original X-shaped tail rotors, which have increased efficiency in comparison with the screws of the usual scheme. Ka-52, in turn, is made according to the traditional for Kamov scheme and has two coaxial bearing screws. The advantages and disadvantages of the schemes used for several years have been the subject of fierce disputes, but the designers and the military have made their choice: they understand the cons of the classical and pine schemes, but for the sake of the advantages they are ready to endure. In addition, some interest is the fact that the main helicopters of the Russian Air Force to the 2020 year should be the "classic" Mi-28H and coaxial Ka-52. Thus, there is, if one may say so, a balance between the schemes.
All three helicopters significantly differ at the level of weight and size parameters. The Ka-52 has the smallest size among the machines under consideration. With a maximum take-off weight of 10400 kilogram, it has a length of 13,5 meter and diameter of main rotors 14,5 m. Milevsky Mi-28 is slightly larger: length of 17 meters, main rotor diameter 17,2 m and maximum take-off weight of 11,7 tons. The largest of the new helicopters is the Mi-35M, having a maximum take-off weight of 11800 kg and a length in excess of the 18,5 meter. It is noteworthy that both Mil helicopters are equipped with the same rotors and tail rotors, originally developed for the Mi-28H.
Interestingly, the situation with the power plant helicopters. All of them, in accordance with the development trends of combat helicopters, are equipped with two engines. This reduces the risks associated with damage to one of the engines and, as a result, increases the survivability of machines in combat conditions. In addition, all three helicopters are equipped with TV3-117ВМА turboshaft motors of the Klimov family. The Mi-35M has engines of this model with an 2200 takeoff horsepower each, and the Mi-28Н and Ka-52 are equipped with later modifications. Thus, the Mi-28H is equipped with VK-2500-02 motors (2200 hp in takeoff mode), and the Ka-52 is equipped with VK-2500 engines with overclocking capability to 2400 hp. It should be noted that the indicated power indicators are achieved only for a certain short time. In flight, it is recommended to keep the engine power at no more than 1750-1800 horsepower. At the same time, all engines of the TV3-117ВМА family have an emergency mode, on which they are able to reach the horsepower level in 2600-2700. True, such power indicators require subsequent additional maintenance.
It is easy to see that the Ka-52 helicopter looks the most interesting in terms of the combination of weight, size and power parameters. With the maximum allowable weight on take-off engines, it has a specific power up to 460 hp. per ton of weight. For Mi-35M and Mi-28H, this parameter is approximately 370 and 375 hp. per ton, respectively. Thus, the Kamov helicopter, having a large thrust-to-weight ratio, should in theory have better flight characteristics. However, high specific power indices were obtained, first of all, due to the small mass of the structure and, as a consequence, the relatively low combat load. At the same time, a number of features of the concept led to the fact that the lighter Ka-52 is capable of carrying more equipment and weapons than the Mi-35H. The Kamov machine has a payload of about two tons, while in the Mi-35M this figure is only 1780 kg. As for the Mi-28H, it can carry a kilogram of weapons on an external sling up to 2300.
The flight parameters of all three helicopters are quite close, although they differ from each other. The maximum speed of all cars is within 310-320 kilometers per hour. In this case, the Mi-35М and Ka-52, if necessary, can accelerate to 340 km / h, however, in the declared characteristics, this speed is listed as the maximum allowable. The newer Mi-28H and Ka-52 helicopters benefit from the deeply upgraded Mi-24 in the dynamic and static ceiling. The first indicator for these machines is within 5-5,5 thousand meters, the second is equal to 3600 m. The static and dynamic ceiling of the Mi-35М is less than these indicators by 450-500 meters. Mi-35M can not boast range. Its practical range is equal to 420 kilometers, and in the distillation configuration, it can travel up to a thousand kilometers. For Mi-28H these figures are 500 and 1100, and for Ka-52 - 520 and 1200 kilometers, respectively.
It must be borne in mind that the maximum flight range, as well as speed and ceiling, is not in itself the most important parameter of a helicopter, but may indicate its capabilities regarding the duration of the stay in the air. The experience of the armed conflicts of recent years has shown that a modern combat helicopter should, first of all, be able to perform long patrols of a given area, regardless of the time of day and weather conditions. It was precisely with the help of helicopters that NATO troops hunted regular enemy caravans or even individual militants.
Crew and his protection
The concept of the use of attack helicopters implies a high risk of being attacked by enemy anti-aircraft weapons. Because of this, all the cars in this class have a whole set of crew safety equipment. All three helicopters under consideration, the Mi-35M, the Mi-28H and the Ka-52, have crews of two. According to the results of lengthy disputes, a scheme with two pilots was recognized as the most profitable: a pilot and an arms operator. Previously, it was proposed to assign all duties to one pilot, but the customer, in the person of the Ministry of Defense, declared this option unpromising and inconvenient. As a result, all new domestic attack helicopters are made double.
As in the case of rotors, the Kamov car is different from the Mi helicopters. The latter have a tandem cab: the pilot sits in the back and above the navigator-operator. On the Ka-52, the commander’s workplace is located to the left of the vehicle axis, and the operator’s seat is to the right. On all three vehicles, weapons operators have the ability to control the helicopter, and pilots can use weapon. At the same time, due to the division of duties and the equipment corresponding to them, the pilot cannot fully use the full combat potential of the helicopter. To protect the crew and vital units, all three helicopters have an additional reservation: bulletproof glass and metal panels. The level of protection of various parts varies. For example, the armor panels of the cockpit of the Mi-28H helicopter can withstand a missile with a caliber of up to 20 millimeters.
In case of a forced landing with a high vertical speed, the Mi-35М, Mi-28Н and Ka-52 helicopters have a special design chassis that absorbs part of the impact force on the ground. Most of the remaining impact is absorbed by special design seats. In addition, the Ka-52 and Mi-28H helicopters have an ejection system to rescue the pilots in an accident at high altitudes.
Unguided weapons
For several decades, the main armament of domestic attack helicopters was barrel systems and unguided missiles, and the use of "smart" ammunition had a much smaller scope. In the new helicopters, all the possibilities for the use of cannon and missile weapons are fully preserved. The Mi-35M, Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters have the ability to carry blocks of unguided missiles of various types and calibers on pylons under the wing, from S-8 (up to four blocks of 20 missiles) to S-13 (four to five). In addition, the Mi-35M and Ka-52, if necessary, are capable of using up to four S-24 missiles of 240 mm caliber. All three helicopters have the ability to use aviation bombs of various types of caliber up to 500 kilograms.
In addition to the pylons for the suspension of weapons, all three machines have built-in cannon systems. The Ka-52 and Mi-28H helicopters are equipped with automatic guns 2А42 (millimeters 30), Mi-35Н - GSH-23 (two-barreled caliber 23 millimeter). Mobile gun mounts mounted on the Mi-28Н and Mi-35М, allow you to direct weapons within large sectors horizontally and vertically. Ka-52, in turn, does not have such an opportunity: its gun installation is not located in the forward fuselage, but on the starboard side, which significantly reduces the sector of horizontal pickup. Both guns used on helicopters are designed to destroy ground and air targets at ranges of up to two (GSH-23) or up to four (2A42) kilometers. The targeting of guns is carried out with the help of electric drives controlled by the weapon operator. It is noteworthy that the process of pointing guns affected the capabilities of the pilots. For example, the pilot of the Mi-28H cannot control the gun if it is not located along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and is not in a horizontal position. Only with such an arrangement cannon can the pilot aim with the help of his aiming equipment. In all other cases, targeting and shooting is performed by the weapon operator.
Guided weapons
The duties of the navigator-operator also include working with guided weapons. Traditionally, all domestic attack helicopters have the ability to carry anti-tank missiles, and the Mi-35M, Mi-28H and Ka-52 are no exception. The Mil machines in question can carry up to 12-16 anti-tank guided missiles “Sturm” or “Attack”. Arsenal Ka-52 consists of missiles "Attack" or "Whirlwind." These missile systems significantly differ from each other in the characteristics of missiles and guidance systems.
The oldest complex "Sturm-V" (70-s development) has a radio command guidance system and provides a maximum firing range of five kilometers. The warhead of the 9М114 rocket provides penetration of homogeneous armor with a thickness up to 650 millimeters. The use of a semi-automatic control system in the Sturm complex led to the fact that the armament operator was forced to hold the aiming mark on the target for some time after the launch. This fact somewhat reduces the combat capabilities of the helicopter, since it is forced to remain motionless before hitting the target and will not be able to effectively use the tactics of the jump.
A further development of Sturm-V was the Ataka-V complex with the 9М120 rocket. During the upgrade, improved rocket performance. So, 9М120 is capable of delivering a warhead up to ten kilometers away and punching up to 800 millimeters of homogeneous armor for dynamic protection. There is information about the development of a laser homing head for the “Attack” missile. The principle of missile guidance on commands from a helicopter is similar to Sturm. This feature of the “Attack-B” complex is a reason for criticism. It should be noted that at a speed of about 500 m / s, the 9М120 rocket reaches the target at maximum range in about 20 seconds. In order to avoid a helicopter hitting during a “jump,” the onboard control equipment of the Ataki provides the ability to maneuver with some limits on roll and pitch.
The Whirlwind anti-tank missile system with the 9А4172 rocket has a laser guidance system and automatic control equipment. The latter independently accompanies target tracking and guides missiles at it. The maximum launch range of the Whirlwind missile complex reaches ten kilometers. At speeds in excess of 600 meters per second, the rocket travels that distance in 15-17 seconds. Thus, the enemy's air defense may simply not have time to detect and attack the helicopter. In addition, the automatic target tracking and missile guidance system can significantly reduce the burden on pilots. This system was one of the reasons for reducing the crew of the Ka-50 helicopter to one person. Tandem warhead breaks up to a meter of homogeneous armor.
Despite its strike mission, the Mi-35М, Mi-28Н and Ka-52 helicopters have the ability to carry air-to-air guided missiles designed for self-defense. These are the Igla-B missiles (range up to 5-6 km) and P-60 (7-8 km). The number of missiles on the suspension depends on the tactical need and the type of helicopter. Thus, the Mi-35М carries only two Igla-V missiles, and the Mi-28Н and Ka-52 carries up to four Eagle or Р-60.
On-board equipment
Being a deep modernization of the old Mi-24, the helicopter Mi-35М received relatively few serious innovations in the composition of the onboard equipment, affecting certain features of the appearance. One of them concerns the installation of the new PNK-24 aiming and navigation complex, created using the developments of the PrNK-28 project for the Mi-28H helicopter. The optoelectronic station, observation instruments and the equipment of the cabin were updated. As a result, the combat potential of the helicopter significantly increased. It is sometimes argued that at the moment the onboard equipment of the Mi-35M provides the helicopter with the maximum possible characteristics that a fairly old design allows to achieve.
The basis of the on-board radio-electronic equipment of the Mi-28H helicopter is the PrNK-28 complex, which provides flight operations and combat work. The armament control systems and navigation equipment are integrated into this complex. In addition, the PrNK-28 is connected to the H-025 radar. Its antenna is placed in a characteristic spherical radome above the screw hub. The use of a radar station greatly expands the capabilities of the helicopter, as it allows it to operate in any weather and at any time of the day. Radar H-025 has two main modes of operation: aerial and ground targets. In the case of tracking the ground, the radar in the mapping mode “inspects” a sector 120 wide in degrees at a distance of up to 32 kilometers. The detection and tracking of targets, depending on their EPR, occurs at distances 12-15 kilometers (tank). Larger objects, such as bridges, the station notices with 23-25 km. In the air mode, the station's antenna performs a circular scan in the 60 sector of degrees in elevation (in the vertical plane). Airplanes and helicopters in this case are “visible” at a distance of about 15 kilometers. Anti-aircraft missiles and air-to-air ammunition - from five to six kilometers. Thus, the pilots have the opportunity to timely learn about the attack and do all the necessary actions.
The onboard equipment of the Ka-52 helicopter is somewhat similar to that used on the Mi-28Н, but it has a number of differences. For example, the РБХNUMX “Crossbow” radar intended for the Ka-52 was originally built using a two-module scheme. The antenna of the first block of this radar was planned to be installed under the radio transparent nose fairing, the second - above the hub of rotors. At the moment, all or almost all new serial helicopters are equipped with a radar nose block, but there is no accurate information about the above-arm. Such an original division of the radar system was proposed to improve the characteristics of the complex: the nasal antenna can only work on ground targets all the time, and the nodo antenna can only work on airborne targets. Thus, the helicopter becomes able to respond in time to various threats, at the same time collecting information about the situation in the air and on the ground. Also, the equipment of the Ka-01 helicopter includes the GOES-52 optical-electronic station, designed for round-the-clock observation of the terrain and target detection. The optoelectronic station is located at the bottom of the fuselage, right behind the nose fairing.
Results
As you can see, all modern Russian attack helicopters are both similar and different from each other. The similarity is due to the general views of the military on the appearance of a modern rotary-winged machine, and the differences are caused by the differing opinions of designers of different firms. Nevertheless, all new helicopters - first of all, this concerns the Ka-52 and Mi-28Н - have more similarities than differences. So, they are able to carry unguided and guided weapons, as well as carry out attacks from a distance of up to ten kilometers (ATGM “Attack” and “Sturm”). Another feature of these helicopters is the presence of an integrated radar station. If the issue with the crosspiece radar module "Crossbow" is decided in favor of its installation, then another point will be added to the similarity of the Mi-28Н and Ka-52.
As a matter of fact, Ka-52 and Mi-28Н, being modern helicopters, also claim to be the combat vehicles of the near future. Judging by the current development trends of attack helicopters, with timely upgrades they are quite capable of becoming such. But the Mi-35M already causes some doubts. First of all, it affects the great age of the original Mi-24, as well as the poorly proven idea of a flying BMP. In order to remove the cargo and passenger cabin with the Mi-35M, which often becomes the subject of criticism, it is necessary to redo the whole machine, which clearly does not fit into the idea of modernizing the old technology. Therefore, the Mi-35М project now looks like an attempt to provide the armed forces with modern technology, without spending much time on its creation and launch of production. Accordingly, Mi-35М are unlikely to be purchased in large series and will serve as a kind of temporary measure in anticipation of a large number of new Mi-28Н and Ka-52.
To justify the Mi-35M, it is worth saying that this helicopter is not so bad as it seems at first glance. The lack of radar and the presence of an “extra” cockpit does not allow it to compete on equal terms with other modern domestic and foreign attack helicopters, however, and in this configuration, the Mi-35М has more potential than the existing Mi-24 fleet of various modifications. In other words, the Mi-35M is currently rather a “transitional link” between the old and the new technology, than a full-fledged combat tool, being done, as they say, for centuries. This can explain the technical differences of this helicopter from other new machines, and relatively small plans for the purchase.
In the coming years, the domestic Air Force will receive about fifty Mi-35M helicopters. At the same time, so many Mi-28H helicopters are already serving in the air force, and the total number of ordered Ka-52s is approaching a hundred and fifty. Perhaps the views of the military on the required number of helicopters of a particular type perfectly illustrate the prospects of combat vehicles and their compliance with the requirements. It is quite obvious that the Defense Ministry, when planning the future of military aviation, attaches the highest priority to the new Ka-52 and Mi-28Н, and not to the modernization of the “old man” Mi-24. It is these helicopters that will have to become the main strike force of front-line aviation by the beginning of the twenties and remain in the ranks for the next years. So, the lingering work on the Arbalet radar for the Ka-52 or some problems with the development of technologies and weapons for the new equipment costs the time spent: new helicopters are being made for the future and it is better to lose a little time now than not to have good modern equipment.
On the materials of the sites:
http://airwar.ru/
http://militaryrussia.ru/
http://arms-expo.ru/
http://kamov.ru/
http://mi-helicopter.ru/
http://klimov.ru/
http://phazotron.com/
http://twower.livejournal.com/
Flight performance
Considered machines vary considerably in a constructive aspect. The machines of the company “Mil” are made according to the classical scheme with the main and tail screws. They are also equipped with original X-shaped tail rotors, which have increased efficiency in comparison with the screws of the usual scheme. Ka-52, in turn, is made according to the traditional for Kamov scheme and has two coaxial bearing screws. The advantages and disadvantages of the schemes used for several years have been the subject of fierce disputes, but the designers and the military have made their choice: they understand the cons of the classical and pine schemes, but for the sake of the advantages they are ready to endure. In addition, some interest is the fact that the main helicopters of the Russian Air Force to the 2020 year should be the "classic" Mi-28H and coaxial Ka-52. Thus, there is, if one may say so, a balance between the schemes.
The Ka-52 helicopters of the installation batch are in standard equipment including the defense complex - board No. 52 and board No. XXUMX yellow (http://militaryphotos.net)
Helicopter Mi-28H board No. 50 yellow from a batch of helicopters transferred to the Air Force at 344 air base TSBPiPLLS AA 8 October 2011, Torzhok, Tver region (photo by Sergey Ablogin, http://ablogin.ru/)
All three helicopters significantly differ at the level of weight and size parameters. The Ka-52 has the smallest size among the machines under consideration. With a maximum take-off weight of 10400 kilogram, it has a length of 13,5 meter and diameter of main rotors 14,5 m. Milevsky Mi-28 is slightly larger: length of 17 meters, main rotor diameter 17,2 m and maximum take-off weight of 11,7 tons. The largest of the new helicopters is the Mi-35M, having a maximum take-off weight of 11800 kg and a length in excess of the 18,5 meter. It is noteworthy that both Mil helicopters are equipped with the same rotors and tail rotors, originally developed for the Mi-28H.
Interestingly, the situation with the power plant helicopters. All of them, in accordance with the development trends of combat helicopters, are equipped with two engines. This reduces the risks associated with damage to one of the engines and, as a result, increases the survivability of machines in combat conditions. In addition, all three helicopters are equipped with TV3-117ВМА turboshaft motors of the Klimov family. The Mi-35M has engines of this model with an 2200 takeoff horsepower each, and the Mi-28Н and Ka-52 are equipped with later modifications. Thus, the Mi-28H is equipped with VK-2500-02 motors (2200 hp in takeoff mode), and the Ka-52 is equipped with VK-2500 engines with overclocking capability to 2400 hp. It should be noted that the indicated power indicators are achieved only for a certain short time. In flight, it is recommended to keep the engine power at no more than 1750-1800 horsepower. At the same time, all engines of the TV3-117ВМА family have an emergency mode, on which they are able to reach the horsepower level in 2600-2700. True, such power indicators require subsequent additional maintenance.
Engine TV3-117
VK-2500 (upgraded version of TVZ-117)
It is easy to see that the Ka-52 helicopter looks the most interesting in terms of the combination of weight, size and power parameters. With the maximum allowable weight on take-off engines, it has a specific power up to 460 hp. per ton of weight. For Mi-35M and Mi-28H, this parameter is approximately 370 and 375 hp. per ton, respectively. Thus, the Kamov helicopter, having a large thrust-to-weight ratio, should in theory have better flight characteristics. However, high specific power indices were obtained, first of all, due to the small mass of the structure and, as a consequence, the relatively low combat load. At the same time, a number of features of the concept led to the fact that the lighter Ka-52 is capable of carrying more equipment and weapons than the Mi-35H. The Kamov machine has a payload of about two tons, while in the Mi-35M this figure is only 1780 kg. As for the Mi-28H, it can carry a kilogram of weapons on an external sling up to 2300.
The flight parameters of all three helicopters are quite close, although they differ from each other. The maximum speed of all cars is within 310-320 kilometers per hour. In this case, the Mi-35М and Ka-52, if necessary, can accelerate to 340 km / h, however, in the declared characteristics, this speed is listed as the maximum allowable. The newer Mi-28H and Ka-52 helicopters benefit from the deeply upgraded Mi-24 in the dynamic and static ceiling. The first indicator for these machines is within 5-5,5 thousand meters, the second is equal to 3600 m. The static and dynamic ceiling of the Mi-35М is less than these indicators by 450-500 meters. Mi-35M can not boast range. Its practical range is equal to 420 kilometers, and in the distillation configuration, it can travel up to a thousand kilometers. For Mi-28H these figures are 500 and 1100, and for Ka-52 - 520 and 1200 kilometers, respectively.
Mi-35M (http://www.airforce.ru)
It must be borne in mind that the maximum flight range, as well as speed and ceiling, is not in itself the most important parameter of a helicopter, but may indicate its capabilities regarding the duration of the stay in the air. The experience of the armed conflicts of recent years has shown that a modern combat helicopter should, first of all, be able to perform long patrols of a given area, regardless of the time of day and weather conditions. It was precisely with the help of helicopters that NATO troops hunted regular enemy caravans or even individual militants.
Crew and his protection
The concept of the use of attack helicopters implies a high risk of being attacked by enemy anti-aircraft weapons. Because of this, all the cars in this class have a whole set of crew safety equipment. All three helicopters under consideration, the Mi-35M, the Mi-28H and the Ka-52, have crews of two. According to the results of lengthy disputes, a scheme with two pilots was recognized as the most profitable: a pilot and an arms operator. Previously, it was proposed to assign all duties to one pilot, but the customer, in the person of the Ministry of Defense, declared this option unpromising and inconvenient. As a result, all new domestic attack helicopters are made double.
As in the case of rotors, the Kamov car is different from the Mi helicopters. The latter have a tandem cab: the pilot sits in the back and above the navigator-operator. On the Ka-52, the commander’s workplace is located to the left of the vehicle axis, and the operator’s seat is to the right. On all three vehicles, weapons operators have the ability to control the helicopter, and pilots can use weapon. At the same time, due to the division of duties and the equipment corresponding to them, the pilot cannot fully use the full combat potential of the helicopter. To protect the crew and vital units, all three helicopters have an additional reservation: bulletproof glass and metal panels. The level of protection of various parts varies. For example, the armor panels of the cockpit of the Mi-28H helicopter can withstand a missile with a caliber of up to 20 millimeters.
KA-52 Cab
Instruments in the cockpit (left) and navigator-operator (right) of the Mi-28H helicopter. (photo - Alexey Mikheev, Fomin A. Mi-28H - shipments are growing. // Take-off. No. 1-2 / 2011)
In case of a forced landing with a high vertical speed, the Mi-35М, Mi-28Н and Ka-52 helicopters have a special design chassis that absorbs part of the impact force on the ground. Most of the remaining impact is absorbed by special design seats. In addition, the Ka-52 and Mi-28H helicopters have an ejection system to rescue the pilots in an accident at high altitudes.
Unguided weapons
For several decades, the main armament of domestic attack helicopters was barrel systems and unguided missiles, and the use of "smart" ammunition had a much smaller scope. In the new helicopters, all the possibilities for the use of cannon and missile weapons are fully preserved. The Mi-35M, Mi-28N and Ka-52 helicopters have the ability to carry blocks of unguided missiles of various types and calibers on pylons under the wing, from S-8 (up to four blocks of 20 missiles) to S-13 (four to five). In addition, the Mi-35M and Ka-52, if necessary, are capable of using up to four S-24 missiles of 240 mm caliber. All three helicopters have the ability to use aviation bombs of various types of caliber up to 500 kilograms.
In addition to the pylons for the suspension of weapons, all three machines have built-in cannon systems. The Ka-52 and Mi-28H helicopters are equipped with automatic guns 2А42 (millimeters 30), Mi-35Н - GSH-23 (two-barreled caliber 23 millimeter). Mobile gun mounts mounted on the Mi-28Н and Mi-35М, allow you to direct weapons within large sectors horizontally and vertically. Ka-52, in turn, does not have such an opportunity: its gun installation is not located in the forward fuselage, but on the starboard side, which significantly reduces the sector of horizontal pickup. Both guns used on helicopters are designed to destroy ground and air targets at ranges of up to two (GSH-23) or up to four (2A42) kilometers. The targeting of guns is carried out with the help of electric drives controlled by the weapon operator. It is noteworthy that the process of pointing guns affected the capabilities of the pilots. For example, the pilot of the Mi-28H cannot control the gun if it is not located along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and is not in a horizontal position. Only with such an arrangement cannon can the pilot aim with the help of his aiming equipment. In all other cases, targeting and shooting is performed by the weapon operator.
Ka-52 board №062 yellow, March 2012 (photo - kabuki, http://russianplanes.net/)
ATGM “Ataka-V” and a NAR B-13 unit under the Mi-28H board No. 38 at the MAKS-2011 air show exposition, August 2011 (photo - VLAS, http://militaryrussia.ru/forum)
The NAR B-13 unit and the Strelets launcher with Igla missiles under the Mi-28H board No. 38 at the MAKS-2011 air show, August 2011 (photo - VLAS, http://militaryrussia.ru/forum)
Guided weapons
The duties of the navigator-operator also include working with guided weapons. Traditionally, all domestic attack helicopters have the ability to carry anti-tank missiles, and the Mi-35M, Mi-28H and Ka-52 are no exception. The Mil machines in question can carry up to 12-16 anti-tank guided missiles “Sturm” or “Attack”. Arsenal Ka-52 consists of missiles "Attack" or "Whirlwind." These missile systems significantly differ from each other in the characteristics of missiles and guidance systems.
The oldest complex "Sturm-V" (70-s development) has a radio command guidance system and provides a maximum firing range of five kilometers. The warhead of the 9М114 rocket provides penetration of homogeneous armor with a thickness up to 650 millimeters. The use of a semi-automatic control system in the Sturm complex led to the fact that the armament operator was forced to hold the aiming mark on the target for some time after the launch. This fact somewhat reduces the combat capabilities of the helicopter, since it is forced to remain motionless before hitting the target and will not be able to effectively use the tactics of the jump.
A further development of Sturm-V was the Ataka-V complex with the 9М120 rocket. During the upgrade, improved rocket performance. So, 9М120 is capable of delivering a warhead up to ten kilometers away and punching up to 800 millimeters of homogeneous armor for dynamic protection. There is information about the development of a laser homing head for the “Attack” missile. The principle of missile guidance on commands from a helicopter is similar to Sturm. This feature of the “Attack-B” complex is a reason for criticism. It should be noted that at a speed of about 500 m / s, the 9М120 rocket reaches the target at maximum range in about 20 seconds. In order to avoid a helicopter hitting during a “jump,” the onboard control equipment of the Ataki provides the ability to maneuver with some limits on roll and pitch.
The Whirlwind anti-tank missile system with the 9А4172 rocket has a laser guidance system and automatic control equipment. The latter independently accompanies target tracking and guides missiles at it. The maximum launch range of the Whirlwind missile complex reaches ten kilometers. At speeds in excess of 600 meters per second, the rocket travels that distance in 15-17 seconds. Thus, the enemy's air defense may simply not have time to detect and attack the helicopter. In addition, the automatic target tracking and missile guidance system can significantly reduce the burden on pilots. This system was one of the reasons for reducing the crew of the Ka-50 helicopter to one person. Tandem warhead breaks up to a meter of homogeneous armor.
Despite its strike mission, the Mi-35М, Mi-28Н and Ka-52 helicopters have the ability to carry air-to-air guided missiles designed for self-defense. These are the Igla-B missiles (range up to 5-6 km) and P-60 (7-8 km). The number of missiles on the suspension depends on the tactical need and the type of helicopter. Thus, the Mi-35М carries only two Igla-V missiles, and the Mi-28Н and Ka-52 carries up to four Eagle or Р-60.
The first prototype of the Ka-52 board No. 061 yellow on the tests of operation of the helicopter from the ships of the Navy, Northern Fleet, 03.09.2011 (http://pressa-zvo.livejournal.com)
Mi-28H board №36 yellow, probably with updated nadvulochnoy radar. 1-2 April 2012 (photo - kabuki, http://russianplanes.net/)
On-board equipment
Being a deep modernization of the old Mi-24, the helicopter Mi-35М received relatively few serious innovations in the composition of the onboard equipment, affecting certain features of the appearance. One of them concerns the installation of the new PNK-24 aiming and navigation complex, created using the developments of the PrNK-28 project for the Mi-28H helicopter. The optoelectronic station, observation instruments and the equipment of the cabin were updated. As a result, the combat potential of the helicopter significantly increased. It is sometimes argued that at the moment the onboard equipment of the Mi-35M provides the helicopter with the maximum possible characteristics that a fairly old design allows to achieve.
The basis of the on-board radio-electronic equipment of the Mi-28H helicopter is the PrNK-28 complex, which provides flight operations and combat work. The armament control systems and navigation equipment are integrated into this complex. In addition, the PrNK-28 is connected to the H-025 radar. Its antenna is placed in a characteristic spherical radome above the screw hub. The use of a radar station greatly expands the capabilities of the helicopter, as it allows it to operate in any weather and at any time of the day. Radar H-025 has two main modes of operation: aerial and ground targets. In the case of tracking the ground, the radar in the mapping mode “inspects” a sector 120 wide in degrees at a distance of up to 32 kilometers. The detection and tracking of targets, depending on their EPR, occurs at distances 12-15 kilometers (tank). Larger objects, such as bridges, the station notices with 23-25 km. In the air mode, the station's antenna performs a circular scan in the 60 sector of degrees in elevation (in the vertical plane). Airplanes and helicopters in this case are “visible” at a distance of about 15 kilometers. Anti-aircraft missiles and air-to-air ammunition - from five to six kilometers. Thus, the pilots have the opportunity to timely learn about the attack and do all the necessary actions.
The onboard equipment of the Ka-52 helicopter is somewhat similar to that used on the Mi-28Н, but it has a number of differences. For example, the РБХNUMX “Crossbow” radar intended for the Ka-52 was originally built using a two-module scheme. The antenna of the first block of this radar was planned to be installed under the radio transparent nose fairing, the second - above the hub of rotors. At the moment, all or almost all new serial helicopters are equipped with a radar nose block, but there is no accurate information about the above-arm. Such an original division of the radar system was proposed to improve the characteristics of the complex: the nasal antenna can only work on ground targets all the time, and the nodo antenna can only work on airborne targets. Thus, the helicopter becomes able to respond in time to various threats, at the same time collecting information about the situation in the air and on the ground. Also, the equipment of the Ka-01 helicopter includes the GOES-52 optical-electronic station, designed for round-the-clock observation of the terrain and target detection. The optoelectronic station is located at the bottom of the fuselage, right behind the nose fairing.
Ka-52 board №94 yellow, summer 2011 (photo - Elvis, http://www.photosight.ru)
Mi-28N onboard №16 blue 2010 release with full staffing onboard defense complex, 17.01.2011 (photo - Sergey Ablogin, http://www.airliners.net)
Results
As you can see, all modern Russian attack helicopters are both similar and different from each other. The similarity is due to the general views of the military on the appearance of a modern rotary-winged machine, and the differences are caused by the differing opinions of designers of different firms. Nevertheless, all new helicopters - first of all, this concerns the Ka-52 and Mi-28Н - have more similarities than differences. So, they are able to carry unguided and guided weapons, as well as carry out attacks from a distance of up to ten kilometers (ATGM “Attack” and “Sturm”). Another feature of these helicopters is the presence of an integrated radar station. If the issue with the crosspiece radar module "Crossbow" is decided in favor of its installation, then another point will be added to the similarity of the Mi-28Н and Ka-52.
As a matter of fact, Ka-52 and Mi-28Н, being modern helicopters, also claim to be the combat vehicles of the near future. Judging by the current development trends of attack helicopters, with timely upgrades they are quite capable of becoming such. But the Mi-35M already causes some doubts. First of all, it affects the great age of the original Mi-24, as well as the poorly proven idea of a flying BMP. In order to remove the cargo and passenger cabin with the Mi-35M, which often becomes the subject of criticism, it is necessary to redo the whole machine, which clearly does not fit into the idea of modernizing the old technology. Therefore, the Mi-35М project now looks like an attempt to provide the armed forces with modern technology, without spending much time on its creation and launch of production. Accordingly, Mi-35М are unlikely to be purchased in large series and will serve as a kind of temporary measure in anticipation of a large number of new Mi-28Н and Ka-52.
To justify the Mi-35M, it is worth saying that this helicopter is not so bad as it seems at first glance. The lack of radar and the presence of an “extra” cockpit does not allow it to compete on equal terms with other modern domestic and foreign attack helicopters, however, and in this configuration, the Mi-35М has more potential than the existing Mi-24 fleet of various modifications. In other words, the Mi-35M is currently rather a “transitional link” between the old and the new technology, than a full-fledged combat tool, being done, as they say, for centuries. This can explain the technical differences of this helicopter from other new machines, and relatively small plans for the purchase.
In the coming years, the domestic Air Force will receive about fifty Mi-35M helicopters. At the same time, so many Mi-28H helicopters are already serving in the air force, and the total number of ordered Ka-52s is approaching a hundred and fifty. Perhaps the views of the military on the required number of helicopters of a particular type perfectly illustrate the prospects of combat vehicles and their compliance with the requirements. It is quite obvious that the Defense Ministry, when planning the future of military aviation, attaches the highest priority to the new Ka-52 and Mi-28Н, and not to the modernization of the “old man” Mi-24. It is these helicopters that will have to become the main strike force of front-line aviation by the beginning of the twenties and remain in the ranks for the next years. So, the lingering work on the Arbalet radar for the Ka-52 or some problems with the development of technologies and weapons for the new equipment costs the time spent: new helicopters are being made for the future and it is better to lose a little time now than not to have good modern equipment.
On the materials of the sites:
http://airwar.ru/
http://militaryrussia.ru/
http://arms-expo.ru/
http://kamov.ru/
http://mi-helicopter.ru/
http://klimov.ru/
http://phazotron.com/
http://twower.livejournal.com/
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