Description:
The Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark, Hokum-A NATO-codename and formerly known as the Werewolf, is a single-seat, attack helicopter designed to engage ground targets and slow and low flying airborne targets. The Ka-50 helicopter features two contra-rotating, 3-blade main rotors which make not necessary a tail rotor while provide enhanced maneuverability. It also features an innovative ejection seat, the K-37, to save the pilot's life in the case of a fatal event.
The Ka-50 Black Shark helicopter lightweight armor ensures the aircraft withstand against small arms impact. The cabin can withstand impacts of up to 20mm projectiles. The Infrared (IR) signature has been reduced to achieve improved survivability against heat-guided weapons and sensors. An advanced fire control system has been provided to Ka-50 helicopters which permits them to share targets information and to attack in a cooperative, effective and optimized way.
The Ka-50 armament includes a 30mm 2A42 gun with 800 high explosive/piercing rounds, up to 12 Vikhr long range anti-tank missiles, 80 and 122mm rockets, 4 Igla Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs), and Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs). The 30mm 2A42 gun provides rates of fire of 460 rounds per minute featuring a maximum range of 4,000 meters. External fuel tanks can be also be attached to the 4 pylons used to carry weapons.
The Ka-50 attack helicopter was selected by the Russian Army to replace the Mi-24 Hind helicopter. They were deployed for the first time during the military campaign in Chechnya. Production of Black Shark helicopters remains at low rate and eventually could be replaced by the Ka-52 Alligator or Mi-28N helicopters.
In March 2005, Progress Arseniev Aircraft Company re-started the Ka-50 assembly line. According to Russian press, the first production Ka-50 Black Shark helicopter was ready to enter Russian Army's operational evaluation in February 2007. Ka-50 and Ka-52 series production were expected to start shortly.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 1
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 30 mm
Dimensions: Height 5.0 m, Length 16 m, Main Rotor Diameter 14.5 m, Width 7.3 m
Weights: Max Weight 9,800 kg (21,605 lb), Payload 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 5,500 m (18,045 ft), Cruise Speed 77 mps (277 kph), Max Range 520 km (281 nm), Top Speed 98 mps (353 kph)
Power: Power 4,400 shp
Other: Main Rotor Blades 6, Number of Engines 2
Operators
Russia
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Russia