Kamov helicopters: books - history, types and construction

Gator on the Rise : Kamov's Hokum Attack Helicopter Story 1977-2015

The Kamov Ka-50 (NATO codename Hokum) was developed as a modern, heavily-armored attack helicopter, originally intended to replace the Mi-24 Hind. Designed at the Kamov Experimental Design Bureau in the late 1970s under Sergey Mikheev, the concept focused on a compact, agile, and well-protected attack rotorcraft.

The Ka-50 made its first flight in June 1982. It introduced Kamov's signature coaxial rotor system and featured an advanced automated flight, navigation, and targeting suite, along with long-range anti-tank missiles. After a prolonged competition with the Mil Mi-28 in the late 1980s, the Ka-50 was judged superior and selected for serial production.

The modern Ka-52 serves as the main attack helicopter of the Russian Army Aviation, with roughly 200 units ordered, plus 36 for Russian Naval Aviation.

This book details the Ka-50/Ka-52's origins, development, technical features, and operational use, illustrated with images and data that highlight its unique design and combat capabilities.

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Ka-50 & Ka-52 : Werewolf, Black Shark, Erdogan, Alligator and the others

The Kamov Design Bureau was founded in the late 1940s after the successful trials of the single-engine ultralight Ka-8 and its improved derivative, the Ka-10, which first flew on 30 August 1949. Both types were experimental, used to explore helicopter design possibilities.

The Ka-10 was adopted by the Soviet Naval Aviation, benefiting from its compact size and coaxial rotor layout, which allowed deployment on naval vessels. This experience provided the Kamov bureau and the Soviet Navy with valuable knowledge in maritime helicopter operations. Four Ka-10s were test-flown, followed by an order for ten production units. However, their open cockpits limited operational use and highlighted the need for more advanced designs.

This book focuses on the design, development, and operational deployment of the later, highly sophisticated Kamov Ka-50 and Ka-52 military helicopters. It details their construction, technological innovations, and combat roles, illustrating how the lessons learned from early experimental types influenced modern Kamov attack helicopters.

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Ka-52 Hokum

The Kamov Ka-50 (NATO reporting name: Hokum A) made its first flight on 17 June 1982. After extensive testing, it was ready for production nearly ten years later, but economic difficulties in Russia delayed full-scale delivery. Almost 20 years later, in 2011, the redesigned Ka-52 Hokum B entered service.

The Ka-52 features a unique coaxial rotor system, side-by-side ejection seats for a two-person crew, and a powerful weapons and defensive suite. Variants include the naval Ka-52K and the modernized Ka-52M, which is currently in testing.
Ka-52s were actively used by Russian forces from February 2022 during the invasion of Ukraine.

This book, illustrated with over 200 photographs, presents the history, design, development, and operational use of the Ka-50 and Ka-52 helicopters. It covers their technical specifications, armament, and combat capabilities, providing a complete overview of these distinctive Russian attack helicopters.

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