Modernised Ka-52M Makes its First Flight

Russian Helicopters Holding announced today that the prototype of the newest modernised Ka-52M helicopter has made its first flight. The Holding said that all top technical solutions previously tested on helicopters produced both within the framework of the State Defence Order and for export will be applied on this helicopter.

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The new Ka-52M helicopter is equipped with an upgraded optoelectronic system with an increased target detection and recognition range, a new digital drive, which will improve the aiming accuracy when firing a cannon. The upgraded Ka-52 also received a new radar complex with an active phased antenna array and a guided missile with an increased range.

The Ka-52M main rotor blades are equipped with a more powerful heating element, which will allow the helicopter to operate over an entire range of temperatures , including Arctic conditions. The helicopter is equipped with landing gear wheels with higher bearing capacity and wear resistance, as well as lighting equipment based on LEDs. The modernized Alligator also has a new cockpit interior, which will ensure the fulfillment of modern ergonomic requirements, including when piloting in the dark with night vision goggles.

“Large-scale reconstruction and technical re-equipment of production within the framework of the federal target program allowed us to significantly expand the technological capabilities of AAK Progress and start producing more advanced and reliable military equipment , namely the modernized Ka-52 helicopters in the interests of the Russian armed forces. The enterprise has created new production facilities, eliminated bottlenecks, replaced worn-out equipment, expanded the range and reduced the labor intensity of manufacturing products. Thanks to the achieved increase in production efficiency, labor productivity and the quality of products, the enterprise has reached a new level today, ”said Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

“On behalf of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, last year we started development work to modernize the Ka-52 helicopter, taking into account the experience of its combat use. In broad cooperation with the enterprises of the aviation cluster of the Rostec State Corporation, we have created an actually new machine, which is distinguished by improved characteristics and expanded combat capabilities. The missile armament of the Ka-52M is unified with the armament of another new helicopter, the Mi-28NM, which has significantly increased the target engagement range, "said Andrey Boginsky, General Director of the Russian Helicopters Holding.

Flight tests of the Ka-52M will be carried out by the specialists of the developer, JSC NCV Mil and Kamov, together with specialists from AAK Progress. Part of the test stages will be carried out on the territory of the manufacturer, and then the machines will be transferred to the developer. At the end of the preliminary acceptance tests, state joint tests will begin.

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