On the Military-2024 discussion board in Moscow, Kamov, the producer behind the Ka-52 Alligator assault helicopters, showcased an enhanced model of the Ka-52E. Kamov highlighted that the brand new “E” variant is extra environment friendly because of a streamlined optoelectronic pedestal, which isn’t solely extra compact than its predecessor but in addition incorporates cutting-edge optical and thermal tools. This improve might be utilized to older fashions by changing their current tools.
Regardless of these developments, the Ka-52 Alligator’s efficiency in Ukraine stays considerably enigmatic. By mid-2023, Russia had misplaced roughly 40 Ka-52 Alligator helicopters within the Ukraine battle. Some sources recommend that by mid-2024, this quantity may exceed 60 models. These losses account for roughly 30-35% of Russia’s operational fleet of Ka-52 helicopters.
As of mid-2024, the Russian Air Power has confronted vital losses, with at the very least 12 ageing Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” assault helicopters downed in Ukraine. These embody notable incidents, equivalent to a Mi-28 shot down in Luhansk in Could 2022, and one other destroyed by the Ukrainian Safety Service [SSU] utilizing a drone over Russia’s Kursk area in August 2024.
The Ka-52 “Alligator,” because of its twin counter-rotating most important rotor system, presents superior agility in comparison with the standard tail rotor setup of the Mi-28. This coaxial rotor design permits the Ka-52 to carry out advanced maneuvers with spectacular stability and responsiveness, making it particularly efficient in low-altitude flight and hovering. But, regardless of this agility benefit, the Ka-52 has skilled higher losses in Ukraine for causes past its maneuverability.
Firstly, the Ka-52 helicopter has been extra actively engaged in frontline operations, given its standing as a high-priority asset for Russia. As probably the most superior helicopter of their arsenal, the Ka-52 has been assigned to tackle a wide selection of targets, together with armored autos and fortified positions. This heightened degree of deployment naturally will increase its publicity to Ukrainian air defenses, significantly transportable air-defense methods [MANPADS] like Stingers and Iglas, that are extensively utilized by Ukrainian forces.
Secondly, the Ka-52’s low-altitude operational technique, whereas sensible for evading radar detection, makes it extra prone to short-range air defenses and anti-aircraft weapons. Ukrainian forces, strengthened by Western-supplied methods, have adeptly exploited this vulnerability. In distinction, the Mi-28, with its totally different tactical function and fewer frequent deployment in high-risk zones, has skilled fewer losses.
Lastly, there could also be issues concerning the survivability options of the Ka-52. Regardless of its superior armor and ejection methods, the coaxial rotor system would possibly pose extra dangers in fight conditions. Harm to the rotors, significantly from drones or anti-aircraft hearth, may lead to extra catastrophic outcomes in comparison with the Mi-28’s conventional rotor design, which may additional clarify its larger loss price.
In addition to, the Ka-52’s intensive frontline deployment and low-altitude operational profile, a number of different components contribute to its larger losses in Ukraine in comparison with the Mil Mi-28.
The Ka-52 is constructed for direct engagement of floor targets, usually navigating environments full of air protection methods. This cutting-edge helicopter is steadily used for high-risk missions, equivalent to tank looking and shut air help, bringing it dangerously near Ukrainian anti-aircraft capabilities. Not like the Ka-52, the Mi-28 tends to be deployed in additional cautious, standoff roles.
Ukraine has established extremely efficient air-defense networks, incorporating each transportable methods and bigger complexes just like the S-300 and Buk, together with fashionable Western applied sciences. The Ka-52’s typical missions—nearer to the entrance strains and at decrease altitudes—make it a extra frequent goal for these defenses. Compared, the Mi-28, working at larger altitudes or throughout evening missions, has confronted fewer threats from these anti-air methods.
Whereas the Ka-52 helicopter boasts superior options, its digital countermeasures [ECM] and survivability methods won’t all the time be sufficient to counter refined threats like Western-supplied Stinger missiles and Ukraine’s enhanced focusing on intelligence. Even with state-of-the-art countermeasures, helicopters working in Ukraine are nonetheless extremely weak to guided missile strikes. The Mi-28, with its extra closely armored design and presumably extra conservative deployment, seems to have a better survival price.
Sustaining a helicopter fleet underneath wartime circumstances is a difficult job. The Ka-52’s cutting-edge methods and complicated rotor configuration demand intensive upkeep. Given the logistical hurdles the Russian army faces in sustaining provide strains and help, broken or compromised Ka-52s may be deserted, contributing to the upper loss price. The Mi-28, being much less technologically demanding, may be simpler to maintain operational underneath such circumstances.
In abstract, the Ka-52’s agility and firepower are spectacular. Nevertheless, a mix of deployment techniques, publicity to superior air defenses, and potential limitations in ECM and logistical help have led to its larger losses in Ukraine.
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