Studies are coming in {that a} Russian Ka-52 assault helicopter was downed by an FPV drone in a latest frontline skirmish in Ukraine. A screenshot shared by the social media channel Conflict Report exhibits an alleged Russian chat message on Telegram that claims the chopper was ambushed and destroyed by the drone.
The incident reportedly occurred round noon on November 7. Cross-referencing different stories, it seems that Fighterbomber, a Telegram account recognized to have sturdy ties to the Russian Aerospace Forces, confirmed {that a} Russian Ka-52 was concerned in some capability that day.
Nevertheless, Fighterbomber’s submit didn’t point out the helicopter’s destruction. As an alternative, it wished a fast restoration to the navigator, including: “The bottom is heaven for the commander. Finest needs for the navigator’s restoration. We’ll dwell on!”
Upon additional investigation, the creator of the submit, from which the Conflict Report screenshot was taken, is believed to be Russian blogger Kirill Fedorov. Fedorov’s full message sheds further mild on the tragedy. He describes a Ka-52 commander’s resolution to guard his crew at the price of his personal life, conveying a mixture of bravery and sacrifice that Fighterbomber referenced with “the bottom is heaven for the commander.”
In his submit, Fedorov wrote, “It was alleged to be a routine fight mission for a Ka-52, Mi-28NM, and Mi-8 unit. The boys took off boldly, realizing our guys wanted pressing help on the entrance line. However the enemy knew. And so they have been ready. Virtually invisible and lethal, an FPV drone was already within the air, mendacity in wait. Ambush. Strike. An explosion, and inside cut up seconds, the commander made the selection: ‘On me!’”
Fedorov continues: “The Ka-52 is the one helicopter on the earth able to saving its crew in such a scenario. All you want is altitude and time, they usually had treasured little of each. The commander saved the younger navigator, however he didn’t return. A son, an orphan, with solely his spouse and younger daughter left at house. In instances like these, we maintain a tough however honorable custom. If God forbid, one thing occurs to our pilots, all of us come collectively to help their wives, youngsters, and moms.”
A donation enchantment adopted, emphasizing the sense of solidarity that Fedorov says underpins the Russian aviation group: “We are able to’t convey again the daddy and husband, however we might help the household on this painful time. Let’s goal for at the least 500,000 rubles as a primary installment. This help will present that our boys didn’t die in useless and that patriots all over the world honor their reminiscence. The state will assist, after all, however till then, there are speedy wants—funerals, payments, feeding youngsters. They have to dwell on.”
The Ka-52 “Alligator” assault helicopter has been a vital asset for Russia in Ukraine. Solely two days after this incident, Fighterbomber reported that one other Ka-52 efficiently evaded a Strela-10 missile and returned to base.
Because the invasion in February 2022, it’s estimated that round 40 Russian Ka-52 helicopters have been misplaced in Ukraine, a major proportion of Russia’s Ka-52 fleet. Ukrainian forces primarily use man-portable air-defense programs [MANPADS] just like the Stinger and Igla to take down these helicopters. Moreover, the combination of AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles into Ukraine’s NASAMS protection programs has prolonged their efficient vary towards airborne threats, together with the Ka-52.
The Ka-52 “Alligator” is a formidable assault helicopter designed for reconnaissance, direct fight help, and high-stakes engagements. It represents an evolution from the sooner Ka-50 mannequin, incorporating key technological developments that improve its sturdiness and maneuverability. Its coaxial rotor system, which eliminates the necessity for a tail rotor, offers it distinctive stability and agility, making it particularly efficient in close-quarters operations.
By way of dimensions, the Ka-52 measures roughly 14.5 meters in size, with a width of round 15 meters when the rotor blades are deployed, and stands about 4.9 meters tall. This compact design aids maneuverability, even in constrained or rugged terrains like forests and mountains. With an empty weight of about 7,800 kg and a most takeoff weight round 10,800 kg, the Ka-52’s load distribution optimizes stability and management throughout flight.
Powered by two Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engines, every offering round 2,400 horsepower, the Ka-52 can attain speeds as much as 186 mph and obtain a variety of 285 miles, which may be prolonged past 620 miles with further gasoline tanks. Twin engines provide enhanced security and resilience in fight, because the plane can proceed flying even when one engine is disabled.
The Ka-52’s avionics are superior, incorporating programs that support navigation, focusing on, and weapon management. Central to its offensive capabilities is an automatic hearth management system, which coordinates a number of weapon programs and shows tactical data within the cockpit for fast decision-making in fight.
The Arbalet FH-01 radar, one in every of its key sensors, allows detection and monitoring over lengthy distances, even in opposed climate, permitting the Ka-52 to interact each floor and airborne targets successfully. This radar grants the crew the flexibility to strike targets past the road of sight, a vital benefit for night time or low-visibility operations.
Complementing the radar is the helicopter’s sensor suite, which incorporates infrared and optical programs for day and night time focusing on. The OES-52 electro-optical complicated is a complicated sensor setup that mixes a laser rangefinder, a TV digicam, and a thermal imaging channel.
The thermal digicam detects targets by their warmth signatures, whereas the laser rangefinder gives exact distance measurements, considerably enhancing the situational consciousness and precision focusing on capabilities of the crew.
The Ka-52 additionally has extremely automated flight controls, together with an autopilot system that may partially or absolutely take over, permitting the crew to give attention to focusing on throughout prolonged missions. This autopilot aids stability and management throughout sudden maneuvers, lowering the chance of lack of management throughout intense fight.
By way of armament, the Ka-52 carries an array of weapons, together with anti-tank missiles, unguided rockets, machine weapons, and cannons. Its major weapon is a 30mm 2A42 automated cannon, mounted on the helicopter’s proper facet, which provides substantial vary and penetration energy towards armored and frivolously fortified targets.
The Ka-52 can carry as much as 12 laser-guided anti-tank missiles, such because the Vikhr or Ataka, which have efficient ranges as much as six miles. Moreover, it may deploy varied unguided rockets and bombs for broader space suppression.
The Ka-52’s distinctive design focuses on each offensive and defensive operations. Its coaxial rotor system gives unparalleled stability and the flexibility to carry out complicated maneuvers, together with hovering fast turns, and abrupt directional adjustments. Missing a tail rotor minimizes vulnerabilities in fight, whereas the helicopter’s armored cockpit and bullet-resistant glass defend the crew towards small arms and shrapnel.
To counter incoming missiles, the Ka-52 has superior defensive capabilities, together with missile launch detection and decoy dispensers. These programs set off countermeasures, like flares, to deflect heat-seeking missiles, giving the Ka-52 a preventing likelihood in hostile environments.
These design options and technological improvements make the Ka-52 a resilient, adaptable fight helicopter, well-suited for the high-stakes, dynamic environments of recent warfare.
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