Kamov Ka-27

The Kamov Ka-27 (NATO reporting name 'Helix') is a military helicopter developed for the Soviet Navy, and currently in service in various countries including Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and India. Variants include the Ka-29 assault transport, the Ka-28 downgraded export version, and the Ka-32 for civilian use.

Ka-27
A Russian Navy Ka-27 flying by USS Vella Gulf over the Gulf of Aden.
Role Anti-submarine warfare helicopter
National origin Soviet Union / Russia
Manufacturer Kamov
First flight 24 December 1973[1]
Introduction 1982
Status In service
Primary users Soviet Navy (historical)
Russian Navy
Ukrainian Navy
Indian Navy
Produced 1981–present
Developed from Kamov Ka-25
Variants Kamov Ka-31

Design and development

The helicopter was developed for ferrying and anti-submarine warfare. Design work began in 1969 and the first prototype flew in 1973. It was intended to replace the decade-old Kamov Ka-25, and is similar in appearance to its predecessor due to the requirements of fitting in the same hangar space. Like other Kamov military helicopters it has coaxial rotors, removing the need for a tail rotor. Ka-32 variants, e.g. the Klimov-powered Ka-32A11BC, have been certified for commercial operations throughout the world, notably in Canada and Europe.

Operational history
Ka-27s aboard the aircraft carrier Novorossiysk in 1984

A Russian Navy Ka-27 helicopter from the Russian Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk conducted interoperability deck landing training on board the US command ship USS Mount Whitney on 22 July 2010.[2]

Ka-32A11BC multipurpose helicopters have been successfully operated in Portugal for over five years. In 2006, KAMOV JSC won the tender for the supply of Ka-32A11BC firefighting helicopters, to replace Aérospatiale SA 330 Pumas, which have very high operating costs.

Over 240 Ka-32 have been built as of 2019 and have been exported to more than 30 countries; South Korea operates some 50 Ka-32s.[3]

The Ka-32A11BC features a high power-to-weight ratio and ease of handling, owing to its coaxial rotor design. The rotors' diameters are not restricted by the presence of a tail rotor and associated tail boom; this facilitates maneuvering near obstacles and helps assure exceptional accuracy when hovering in heavy smoke and dust conditions. The Ka-32A11BC may be equipped with the Bambi Bucket suspended fire-fighting system of up to five tons capacity. The service life has been extended to up to 32,000 flight hours.[4]

Since the 1990s, China has purchased the Ka-28 export version and Ka-31 radar warning version for the PLAN fleet. Ka-31 purchases were first revealed in 2010. It is believed that Chinese Ka-28s have been equipped with more enhanced avionics compared to Ka-28s exported to other countries.[5]

In 2013, Russia tested the new Kamov Ka-27M with an active electronically scanned array radar. The basis of the modernization of the Ka-27M is installed on the helicopter airborne radar with an active phased array antenna FH-A. This radar is part of the command and tactical radar system that combines several other systems: acoustic, magnetometric, signals intelligence and radar. All the information on them is displayed on the display instrumentation.[6]

Ka-32s are used for construction of transmission towers for overhead power lines, as it has somewhat higher lift capacity than the Vertol 107.[7] In Canada, the Ka-32 is used for selective logging as it is able to lift selective species vertically.[8]

In August 2013, a Kamov Ka-32, C-GKHL operating in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada, experienced failure of one of its Klimov TV3-117BMA engines (manufactured by Motor Sich in Ukraine). The subsequent technical investigation indicated that there was poor quality control in the assembly of the compressor turbine, leading to failure of the complete unit after several compressor blades separated.[9]

Ka-27s have been used by the Syrian Navy during the ongoing Syrian Civil War.[10]

Variants
A Russian Navy Ka-27PS
Ka-29
Ka-25-2
First prototype.
Ka-27K
Anti-submarine warfare prototype.
Ka-27PL
(Helix-A) Anti-submarine warfare helicopter.
Ka-27PS
(Helix-D) Search and rescue helicopter, ASW equipment removed and winch fitted.
Ka-27PV
Armed version of the Ka-27PS.
Ka-27M
The latest modification of the helicopter, equipped with radar and tactical command systems that include the following systems: acoustic sensors, magnetometric sensors, signals intelligence, and FH-A radar with active phased array antenna. The radar is mounted under the fuselage and provides all-around vision in the search and detection of surface, air, and ground targets. Serial upgrading of Ka-27Ms to the level of combatant helicopters was planned to begin in 2014. By the end of 2016, 46 Ka-27PLs had been scheduled for modernization, commissioned by the Russian Navy. The first eight serial Ka-27M were transferred in December 2016.[11] Mass production approved in June 2017 and started in early 2018.[12][13][14] A new delivery of 5 helos in October 2018.[15][16] Half of the fleet is modernized as of December 2018.[17]
Ka-28
(Helix-A) Export version of the Ka-27PL.
Heliswiss Ka-32 installs digital-TV transmitter in Århus, Denmark.
Ka-29TB
(Helix-B) Assault transport armored helicopter, with accommodation for two pilots and 16 troops. 4 suspensions carry rockets, guns, bombs and anti-tank missiles. Production begun in the 1980s and over 60 were produced. Currently under re-activation and upgrade with changed engines and installed modern arms and electronics, among others.[18]
Ka-252RLD
A radar picket variant of the Ka-31 early warning helicopter first displayed in 2008. RLD designation: radiolokatsyonnogo dozora. Two units delivered to Russian MoD by 2010.[19]
Kamov Ka-32S of Omega Helicopters at Moscow Bykovo airfield in 2004
Ka-32A
Civil transport helicopter. Initial production version.
Ka-32A1
Fire fighting helicopter, equipped with a helicopter bucket.
Ka-32A2
Police version, equipped with two searchlights and a loudspeaker.
Ka-32A4
Special search and rescue, salvage and evacuation version.
Ka-32A7
Armed version developed from the Ka-27PS.
Ka-32A11BC
Canadian, Chinese, European-certified version with Klimov TV3-117MA engines and Glass Cockpit. Used by Pegasus Air Services, Indonesia.[20]
Ka-32A12
Swiss-registered and approved version.
KA-32C
Little-known custom version.
Ka-32M
Projected development with 1839kW TV3-117VMA-SB3 engines. Probably replaced by the Ka-32-10 project.
Ka-32S
(Helix-C) Maritime utility transport, search and rescue helicopter, fitted with an undernose radar.
Ka-32T
(Helix-C) Utility transport helicopter, with accommodation for two crew and 16 passengers.
Ka-32K
Flying crane helicopter, fitted with a retractable gondola for a second pilot.

Operators
A Ukrainian Naval Aviation Ka-27 preparing for take off from USS Taylor

Military and government operators
 Algeria
 China
 India
 Laos
 Russia
 South Korea
South Korean air force operates the Ka-32A4s designated HH-32 for CSAR
 Syria
 Thailand
 Ukraine
 Vietnam

Civilian operators
 Brazil
 Canada
  • Vancouver Island Helicopters[27]
  Switzerland
Ka-32 A12 of Heliswiss
 Indonesia
 Japan
  • Akagi Helicopter[32]
 Portugal
  • Everjets – Aviação Executiva, S.A.[33]
 Bulgaria

Former operators
 Yugoslavia

Specifications (Ka-27)

Data from [36][37]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one-three, plus two-three specialists (Ka-27)
  • Capacity: 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) payload (Ka-32), or up to 16 troops (Ka-29).
  • Length: 11.3 m (37 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in)
  • Empty weight: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
  • Gross weight: 11,000 kg (24,251 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 12,000 kg (26,455 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Isotov TV3-117V turboshaft engines, 1,660 kW (2,230 hp) each
  • Main rotor diameter: 2× 15.8 m (51 ft 10 in)
  • Main rotor area: 392.2 m2 (4,222 sq ft) 3-bladed contra-rotating rotors

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 270 km/h (170 mph, 150 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 205 km/h (127 mph, 111 kn)
  • Range: 980 km (610 mi, 530 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,000 ft)

Armament
Ka-27

  • 1 × torpedoes (AT-1M, VTT-1, UMGT-1 Orlan, APR-2 Yastreb) or 36 RGB-NM & RGB-NM-1 sonobuoys

Ka-29TB

  • 1 × mobile forward firing GShG-7.62 machine gun with 1800 rounds,
  • 1 × 30 mm 2A42 cannon with 250 rounds (flexible semi-rigid mount, optional/removable with ammunition carried in cabin)
  • four external hardpoints for bombs, rockets, gunpods, munitions dispensers, special four round missile launchers for the 9K114 Shturm

Avionics

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See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References
Notes
  1. Taylor 1996, pp.316–317
  2. Nealy, Sylvia (27 July 2010). "Russian Navy conducts flight training aboard US ship". Rotorhub. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  3. http://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/january/5838-russian-helicopters-unveils-ka-32-upgrade.html
  4. "KAMOV Ka-32". omundodaprogramacao.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  5. "Ka-28 Ka-31 in Chinese navy". AirForceWorld.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  6. http://airrecognition.com/index.php/focus-analysis-photo-report-aviation-defence-industry/aviation-defence-industry-technology/5929-russia-creates-new-generation-of-shipborne-helicopter-radars.html
  7. "Powering Up – Vertical Magazine". verticalmag.com. Archived from the original on 4 October 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2015.
  8. "VIH Aviation Group – Pride in Service since 1955". www.vih.com. Archived from the original on 7 November 2016. Retrieved 12 July 2016.
  9. Canada, Government of Canada, Transportation Safety Board of. "Aviation Investigation Report A13P0163 – Transportation Safety Board of Canada". www.tsb.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 7 April 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  10. "S. Damascus: rare insight of a Syrian Navy Ka-27 dropping bombs on Khan As-Sheih pocket - Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news today - syria.liveuamap.com". Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news today - syria.liveuamap.com. Archived from the original on 3 November 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
  11. "Russia's naval aviation receives 8 upgraded Ka-27M deck-based helicopters". Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
  12. "Modernized Ka-27M helicopters for the Russian Ministry of Defense". 22 August 2017. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  13. "Russian Helicopters deliver upgraded Ka-27Ms to Defense Ministry". Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  14. "Naval aviation to receive about 50 modernised Ka-27 helicopters : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation". eng.mil.ru. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  15. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 October 2018. Retrieved 6 October 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/july/6406-russia-upgraded-kamov-ka-29-helicopters-to-operate-in-arctic.html
  19. Jackson, Paul (Ed) (2010). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2010 – 2011. Surry: IHS Global. p. 503. ISBN 978-0710629166.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  20. "Ka helicopters for sale. Ka 32, Ka 62, Ka 226. Buy ka helicopter in Russia and World". kahelicopter.com. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  21. "World Air Forces 2018". Flightglobal Insight. 2018. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  22. Mladenov Air International May 2011, p. 112.
  23. "Korea Coast Guard 2012 White Paper". Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  24. "[산림청] 소방헬기 자료". 12 January 2012. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  25. "รัสเซียปูดข่าวไทยซื้อ "ปักเป้า" Ka-32 ฮ.สุดทันสมัย สำหรับค้นหากู้ภัย-ดับเพลิง". 21 August 2017.
  26. "Helicargo Services". helicargo.com.br. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  27. "From Russia With Love". Annex Business Media. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
  28. "Heli Swiss Fleet". heliswissinternational.ch. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  29. "Kamov Ka-32A 11BC: Dari Padamkan Api Sampai Guyur Massa di Kerusuhan 22 Mei – Indomiliter.com". Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  30. "Ka-32A11BC". www.russianhelicopters.aero. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  31. "Spesifikasi Helikopter Kamov Ka-32, Pembawa Water Bombing untuk Redam Aksi Ricuh di Petamburan". Tribunnews.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  32. "Aircraft fleet". akagi-heli.co.jp. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  33. "Everjets". www.everjets.com. Archived from the original on 6 December 2018. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  34. i-nature.com. "BHAirlines". www.bhairlines.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  35. "World Air Forces 1997 pg. 71". flightglobal.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  36. "Kamov Ka-27 Helix". helis.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
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Bibliography
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