Upgraded helicopter Ka-52M in the troops and in the Special Operations
Russian helicopter pilots and their Ka-52M. Photo Telegram / Fighterbomber
The Ka-52 attack helicopters and their crews play an important role in the current Special Operation for the Defense of Donbass. They are almost constantly in the air, searching for and hitting enemy vehicles and other objects, demonstrating high efficiency. Earlier it was reported about the appearance of modernized Ka-52M helicopters at the front, and now this information is being confirmed. Mass deployment and use of new machines with the letter "M" will have a positive impact on the overall results.
From project to front
According to known data, the Ka-52M attack helicopter modernization project was created in the second half of the 2020s. In 21-2022 the industry built and brought to the test two experimental machines of the new model. The test program continued until XNUMX, and the helicopters confirmed the calculated performance. This made it possible to launch mass production for the supply of equipment to the troops.
In early January 2023, they announced the transfer of the first batch of serial Ka-52Ms to the troops. This batch included up to a dozen new helicopters. At the same time, mass production continued, and deliveries of the following batches are expected in the foreseeable future.
Shortly thereafter, the first reports began to come in about the dispatch of new Ka-52M helicopters to the Special Operation zone for testing in real conditions. Until recently, such news were not confirmed and remained at the level of rumors. However, indirect confirmation has now appeared - the Ka-52M is being mastered by the troops and, probably, even participate in the operation.
Pilots master the technique and probably use it in combat. Photo Telegram / Fighterbomber
On July 14, the well-known Fighterbomber blog published interesting photos. They depicted our helicopter pilots, who received new equipment, as well as their combat vehicle. According to a number of characteristic features of the helicopter's exterior, it could be determined that it did not belong to the basic modification, but was built according to the modernized Ka-52M project.
The first photos of the modernized helicopter in the combat unit naturally attracted attention. For example, the American edition of The Drive under the heading The Warzone published a large review in which it clearly proved that the helicopter in the photo is the new Ka-52M. Such conclusions were made based on the results of studying the equipment that fell into the frame. In addition, it is assumed that the shown helicopter and its crew are taking part in the Special Operation.
Combat work
Recent photographs have attracted the attention of foreign experts and the media. Now they are trying to assess the potential and effectiveness of the upgraded Ka-52M. Various versions are expressed, incl. negative nature. Obviously, the well-known foreign stereotypes about the chronic backwardness of Russian science and technology interfere with an objective assessment of the helicopter, as well as other samples.
Reliable and confirmed information about the combat use of the Ka-52M is not yet available. Ka-52s as a whole are constantly engaged in combat work, finding and hitting various targets. Then the Ministry of Defense or unofficial resources publish the results of such work in one form or another. At the same time, the published materials do not allow us to unambiguously determine in which cases the tasks were performed by the updated Ka-52M.
View of the starboard side. You can consider a new BKO direction finder. Photo Telegram / Fighterbomber
However, even without such materials, it is clear that the modernized helicopters, if they were really sent to the zone of the Special Operation, make combat sorties and solve the assigned tasks. At the same time, their crews gain experience with new systems and use their advantages. As deliveries of serial Ka-52Ms continue, their share in the current aviation grouping will gradually grow - as will the contribution to the general processes of forced demilitarization of the enemy.
Ways of modernization
As reported, the Ka-52M project was developed taking into account the experience of production, operation and combat use of attack helicopters of the basic modification. It provided for the refinement of the airframe, the carrier system and a number of mechanisms. So, the airframe was changed in accordance with the updated instrumentation. The rotors received an improved anti-icing system. Used reinforced chassis design.
The on-board electronic equipment complex has undergone a major upgrade, due to which they received an increase in combat characteristics and improved protection. In addition, the cabin equipment has been improved, both taking into account the use of new devices, and to improve ergonomics.
The original Ka-52 is equipped with the Arbalet radar system with the antenna placed under the radio-transparent nose fairing. The M project uses a different station, but its exact type has not yet been officially disclosed. According to some reports, this is the B006 "Rezets" radar with active phased array. According to The Drive, this version is supported by the presence of air intakes for the cooling system from below on the nose cone.
Comparison of optoelectronic stations GOES-451 (left) and GOES-451M. Photo by Thedrive.com / P. Butowski
With the help of the "Cutter" product, the helicopter can detect ground and air objects. Detection of ground targets, such as groups of armored vehicles, is possible from 40 km, air targets - from 50 km. Support is provided for several targets with shelling of the selected ones.
Ka-52 are equipped with GOES-451 optoelectronic station; upgraded Ka-52M are equipped with a more advanced GOES-451M. The latter retains the daytime, thermal imaging and laser ranging channels, but has improved range and resolution characteristics.
Serial Ka-52s carry the L380 Vitebsk airborne defense system. Experienced Ka-52M received the same BKO. In the series, the modernized helicopter received a new means of protection in the form of the L418 Monoblock complex. In fact, this is a further development of Vitebsk with the same architecture and improved performance. A set of four ultraviolet direction finders along the fuselage perimeter is still used. The infrared countermeasure systems under the fuselage are also preserved, but their shape and design have changed.
In terms of weapons, the Ka-52 and Ka-52M are similar, but there are important differences. So, both helicopters are equipped with a 30-mm 2A42 cannon, but the upgraded one received improved controls that improved accuracy. The range of missile and bomb armament for the two helicopters is still the same. Both are capable of using Vikhr and LMUR guided missiles, unguided projectiles of a number of types, etc. At the same time, the Ka-52M has the advantages associated with modern detection tools.
Ka-52 with LMUR missile under the wing. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
In the future, the expansion of ammunition is expected. First of all, the Ka-52M will receive a new extended-range guided missile Hermes-A. In the future, other models of weapons with improved characteristics and performance may appear.
Useful novelty
Thus, the development of an upgraded version of the Ka-52 attack helicopter has been successfully completed. The industry has begun mass production of such equipment, and at least one batch of it has already entered the troops. Moreover, new helicopters could already get into the zone of the Special Operation and begin to carry out combat missions.
The Ka-52M has a number of differences from the Ka-52, due to which it receives important advantages. Thus, the modernized sighting and navigation system allows more efficient use of existing weapons and creates a reserve for the introduction of new models. The new BKO improves protection against current threats and accordingly increases the likelihood of successful completion of the task. With all this, the helicopter version "M" retains a high degree of unification with the base sample.
The appearance of modernized helicopters in the troops is an unambiguously positive event - both in terms of the general processes of the development of the Aerospace Forces, and in the context of the current Special Operation. At the same time, it should be taken into account that so far we are talking only about the first batch of combat vehicles, and it will take several more years to form a sufficient fleet. Until that time, the existing Ka-52 helicopters will retain their niche and effectively solve the assigned tasks.
Information