Kamov Ka-27 Explained

The Kamov Ka-27 (NATO reporting name 'Helix') is a military helicopter developed for the Soviet Navy, and as of 2024 is 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.

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 had to have identical or smaller external dimensions than its predecessor. Like other Kamov military helicopters it has coaxial rotors, removing the need for a tail rotor. In total, five prototypes and pre-series helicopters were built. Series production started at Kumertau in July 1979, and the new helicopter officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in April 1981.[1]

The Ka-27 has a crew of three with a pilot and navigator both stationed in the cockpit, and a sonar operator seated behind them. It has a four-leg fixed landing gear. The Ka-27 is equipped with two lateral buoys, that can be inflated in the case of a forced landing on water.[1]

The Ka-27PL anti-submarine version is equipped with a radar, and either a dipping sonar or a magnetic anomaly detector. It can also carry either up to 36 sonobuoys, or a torpedo, or between six and eight conventional depth charges, or a single nuclear one. Ka-27PLs generally operate in pairs as hunter-killer teams.[1]

The Ka-27PS search and rescue helicopter can carry 12 folding seats or four stretchers in its cabin, and is equipped with a winch. Its fuel capacity of 3450L is greater than the 2940L capacity of the Ka-27PL.[1]

Ka-32 variants, e.g. the Klimov-powered Ka-32A11BC, have been certified for commercial operations throughout the world, notably in Canada and Europe. The Ka-32 has been certified for the newer Klimov VK-2500PS-02 engine.[2]

Operational history

A Russian Navy Ka-27 helicopter from the Russian Severomorsk conducted interoperability deck landing training on board the US command ship on 22 July 2010.[3]

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

Over 240 Ka-32 have been built as of 2019 and have been exported to more than 30 countries;[4] South Korea operates some 60 Ka-32s.[5] [6] In the mid-1990s Russia offset debt to South Korea through supplies of weapons.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9]

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.[10]

Ka-32s are used for construction of transmission towers for overhead power lines, as it has somewhat higher lift capacity than the Vertol 107.[11] In Canada, the Ka-32 is used for selective logging as it is able to lift selective species vertically.[12]

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.[13]

Ka-27s have been used by the Syrian Navy during the ongoing Syrian Civil War.[14]

On 21 June 2024, a Ka-29 was reportedly shot down over Crimea, by a Russian Pantsir-S1, during a Ukrainian drone attack involving both air and naval drones, killing the crew of four.[15]

Variants

Military

Ka-252: 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.[16] Mass production approved in June 2017 and started in early 2018.[17] [18] [19] A new delivery of 5 helicopters arrived in October 2018.[20] [21] Half of the fleet is modernized as of December 2018.[22]
  • Ka-28: (Helix-A) Export version of the Ka-27PL.
  • 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.[23]
  • Ka-31
  • Early-warning helicopter.[24]

    Civil

    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.[25]
  • 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 and government operators

    Civilian operators

    Former operators

    References

    Notes
    Bibliography

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: [Actu] Modernisation des Kamov Ka-27PL ]. Red Samovar . 3 March 2017.
    2. Web site: UEC launches mass production of VK-2500P engines. 26 May 2021.
    3. Web site: Nealy . Sylvia . Russian Navy conducts flight training aboard US ship . Rotorhub . 27 July 2010 . 4 August 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110929104814/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub/russian-navy-conducts-flight-training-aboard-us-ship/6842/ . 29 September 2011 . live .
    4. Web site: Russian Helicopters unveils Ka-32 upgrade.
    5. Web site: Russian Helicopters and South Korean RH Focus Corp. are creating a service center. 2021-08-13. rostec.ru. 12 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210812162116/https://rostec.ru/en/news/4518169/. dead.
    6. Web site: Russian Helicopters visit South Korea. 2021-08-13. www.helicopterinvestor.com.
    7. Understanding Russian–South Korean Arms Trade. 2021-08-13. Armed Forces & Society. 48608917. Ahn. Se Hyun. 2009. 35. 3. 421–436. 10.1177/0095327X08330817. 220899100.
    8. Web site: KAMOV Ka-32 . omundodaprogramacao.com . 6 June 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140413155522/http://oporquedetudo.omundodaprogramacao.com/?tag=forca-aerea-portuguesa . 13 April 2014 . live . dmy-all .
    9. Web site: Ka-28 Ka-31 in Chinese navy . AirForceWorld.com . 7 June 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130501081649/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/ka28-naval-helicopter-china.htm . 1 May 2013 . dead . dmy-all .
    10. Web site: Russia creates new generation of shipborne helicopter radars.
    11. Web site: Powering Up – Vertical Magazine. https://web.archive.org/web/20151004113042/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/PoweringUp . 4 October 2015. verticalmag.com . 4 October 2015 . live.
    12. Web site: VIH Aviation Group – Pride in Service since 1955. www.vih.com. 12 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161107044945/http://vih.com/Services/vihhelicopters.html. 7 November 2016. live.
    13. Web site: Aviation Investigation Report A13P0163 – Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Government of Canada, Transportation Safety Board of. Canada. www.tsb.gc.ca. 7 January 2015. 11 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160407164047/http://tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2013/a13p0163/a13p0163.asp. 7 April 2016. live.
    14. Web site: 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. 3 November 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161103141004/http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/2-november-s-damascus-rare-insight-of-a-syrian-navy-ka27. 3 November 2016. live.
    15. News: Russia reportedly loses Ka-29 helicopter to friendly fire . 21 June 2024 . Defence Blog. Dylan Malyasov . 21 June 2024 . en.
    16. Web site: Russia's naval aviation receives 8 upgraded Ka-27M deck-based helicopters. 9 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170110014718/http://tass.com/defense/923825. 10 January 2017. live.
    17. Web site: Modernized Ka-27M helicopters for the Russian Ministry of Defense. 22 August 2017. 23 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170823204705/http://aviationnews.eu/news/2017/08/modernized-ka-27m-helicopters-russian-ministry-defense/. 23 August 2017. live.
    18. Web site: Russian Helicopters deliver upgraded Ka-27Ms to Defense Ministry. 10 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174359/http://tass.com/defense/984289. 10 January 2018. live.
    19. Web site: Naval aviation to receive about 50 modernised Ka-27 helicopters : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. eng.mil.ru. 9 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180209182702/http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12161954@egNews. 9 February 2018. live.
    20. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / Морская авиация Балтийского флота получила на вооружение модернизированные вертолеты Ка-27М . 6 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181006154910/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1005/095049014/detail.shtml . 6 October 2018 . live .
    21. Web site: ЦАМТО / Новости / На аэродроме Черняховск провели облет первого модернизированного вертолета Ка-27М . 19 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181019205554/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1019/100049206/detail.shtml . 19 October 2018 . live .
    22. Web site: Janes | Latest defence and security news . 15 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181215184917/https://www.janes.com/article/85237/russia-upgrades-naval-aviation . 15 December 2018 . live .
    23. Web site: Russia: Upgraded Kamov Ka-29 helicopters to operate in Arctic.
    24. Web site: [Actu] Le Kamov Ka-31(R) ]. Red Samovar . 21 March 2020.
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    28. News: Banković . Živojin . Ruski protivpožarni helikopter Ka-32 isporučen Srbiji: Drugo predstavljanje javnosti ispred Kule Beograd, bez pominjanja drugog helikoptera . 26 October 2022 . Tango Six Portal . 26 October 2022 . Tango Six 2022-10. Serbian.
    29. Web site: ЦАМТО / / Сербия получила второй пожарный вертолет Ка-32 из России .
    30. Web site: Oliemans . Joost . Mitzer . Stijn . In aid of Juche: how Cuban anti-submarine helicopters ended up in North Korea . NK News . 13 May 2020.
    31. Web site: Aviation Photo #1368655: Kamov Ka-32A11BC - EMA - Empresa de Meios Aereos . 2021-04-30 . Airliners.net.
    32. Web site: 2022-10-13 . Portugal sends six unlicensed Kamov helicopters to Ukraine . 2022-10-13 . West Observer . en-US.
    33. Mladenov Air International May 2011, p. 112.
    34. Web site: Korea Coast Guard 2012 White Paper. https://web.archive.org/web/20131105195515/http://ebook.kcg.go.kr/src/viewer/download.php?host=main&site=20121107_111250&no=1. dead. 2013-11-05. 2013-06-06.
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