Kamov Ka-10 Explained

The Kamov Ka-10 (NATO reporting name Hat^[1]) was a Soviet single-seat observation helicopter that first flew in 1949.

Design and development

The Ka-10 was a development of Nikolay Kamov's earlier Ka-8, which had been successful enough to allow Kamov to set up his own OKB (design bureau) in 1948. The Ka-10 was of similar layout to the Ka-8, with an open steel-tube structure carrying an engine, a pilot's seat and two three-bladed coaxial rotors.^[2] It was larger, however, with a revised transmission and rotor hub design, and a new engine specially designed for the helicopter, the 55hp Ivchenko AI-4 flat-four.^{[3] [4]}

Operational history

The Ka-10 made its maiden flight in September 1949.^[3] Three more prototypes followed, which were evaluated by Soviet Naval Aviation. A Ka-10 was displayed at the 1950 Tushino Air Display, and one made the first landing by a Soviet helicopter on the deck of a ship on 7 December 1950.^[3]

In 1954, 12 of an improved version, the Ka-10M were built for the Maritime Border Troops. They had a twin tail rather than the single vertical fin of the Ka-10 and modified rotors and control systems.^[3]

Variants

Ka-10: Single-seat observation helicopter.

Ka-10M: Improved version fitted with twin tailfins and rudders.

Operators

• Soviet Navy^[5]

References

Bibliography

• Alexander, Jean. Russian Aircraft since 1940. London: Purnell Book Services, 1975. .
• Apostolo, Giorgio. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. New York: Bonanza Books, 1984. .
• Gunston, Bill. The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995. London: Osprey, 1995. .

Notes and References

1. Gunston 1995, p. XXX.
2. Apostolo 1984, p. 108.
3. Alexander 1975, pp. 146–147.
4. Gunston 1995, p. XIX.
5. Web site: Helicopters of the World 1958 pg. 389 . flight . 21 October 2014.