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 Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, South Korea, People's Republic of China, Republic of China and India. Variants include the Ka-29 assault transport, the Ka-28 downgraded export version, and the Ka-32 for civilian use.
Design and development
The helicopter was developed for ferrying and anti-submarine warfare. Design work began in 1970 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 a co-axial rotor, removing the need for a tail rotor.
Operational history
A Russian Navy KA-27 helicopter from the Russian Udaloy class destroyer RS Serveromorsk (DDG 619) conducted interoperability deck landing training on board USS Mount Whitney on 22 July 2010.[3]
In 2011, the Portuguese government considered selling the six Kamov Ka-32 employed in aerial firefighting due to the aircraft's reported astronomical maintenance costs. The aircraft would be replaced in its fire fighting role with the country's aging Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma fleet, which has been deactivated following the purchase of AgustaWestland AW101.[4][5]
Variants
- 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-28
- (Helix-A) Export version of the Ka-27Pl.
- Ka-29TB
- (Helix-B) Assault transport helicopter, with accommodation for two pilots and 16 troops.
- Ka-29RLD
- Airborne early warning, surface surveillance helicopter; later redesignated Ka-31.
- 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 and European-certified version with Klimov TV3-117MA engines.
- 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
Military operators
- Algeria
- China
- India
- Russia
- Soviet Union
- Ukraine
- Vietnam
- Republic of Korea
- Yugoslavia
Civilian operators
- Canada
- Vancouver Island Helicopters (VIH) operates 3 Ka-32 A11 BC helicopters (two of them lease to Taiwanese civilian operator (Sunrise airlines) from 2001 until now).
- Indonesia
- Indonesia plan to buy the Ka-32 for non-military purposes (evacuation, search and rescue, cargo and firefighting) and for the Indonesian Police (Polisi Lintas Udara)[6]
- Iran
- Iran plans to manufacture at least 50 Ka-32's under license.[7]
- Japan
- Akagi Helicoptor operates Ka-32 A11 BC.
- Portugal
- EMA, SA – operates six Kamov Ka-32 for the Portuguese government during firefighting season and in civilian use.
- Russia
- Omega Helicopters operates the Ka-32S
- Republic of Korea
- Korean Forestry Service and Coast Guard operate more than 60 KA-32S/T.[8]
- Spain
- Helisureste operates Ka-32 A11 BC.
- South Africa
- South African AIRREP operates Ka-32.
Kamov Ka-32 firefighting in Cape Town, South Africa
- Switzerland
- Helog Heliswiss operates Ka-32 A12.
- Heliswiss operates Ka-32T.
- Taiwan
- Sunrise Airlines Company operates 1 Ka-32A11BC helicopters (B-77999) for heavy lifting, leasing from Canada VIH company.
- Turkey
Specifications (Ka-27)
General characteristics
- Crew: 1-3, plus 2-3 specialists
- Length: 11.30 m (37 ft 1 in)
- Rotor diameter: 15.80 m (51 ft 10 in)
- Height: 5.50 m (18 ft 1 in)
- Empty weight: 6,500 kg (14,300 lb)
- Loaded weight: 11,000 kg (24,200 lb)
- Useful load: 4,000 kg (8,800 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 12,000 kg (26,400 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Isotov turboshaft engines, 1,660 kW (2,225 shp) each
Performance
Armament
Ka-27
- 1 × torpedoes (AT-1M, VTT-1, UMGT-1 Orlan, APR-2 Yastreb) or 36 RGB-NM & RGB-NM-1 sonobouys
Ka-29TB
- 1 × mobile forward firing GShG-7.62 minigun 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
- contrary to some reports the internal weapon load is not retained and is replaced by an armoured passenger compartment for up to sixteen troops
Avionics
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1996). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory. London, England: Brassey's. ISBN 1 85733 1981 1.
External links
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