Kamov Ka-52 “Alligator” (NATO reporting name Hokum-B)

The Kamov Ka-52 “Alligator” (NATO reporting name Hokum-B) is a two-seat version of the Ka-50. It is a multi-role all-weather attack helicopter, capable of operating in daytime and at night. The Ka-52 military helicopter can fly at a maximum altitude of 5,500 meters. The maximum and cruise speeds of the helicopter are 300kilometers hour and 260kilometers per hour respectively. The helicopter can climb at a maximum rate of 16meters per second. The Ka-52 has a practical flight range of 460 kilometers, while its ferry flight range is 1,110 kilometers.
The twin-seat cockpit accommodates two crew members in side-by-side arrangement. Both crew members are seated on identical ejection seats fitted with a catapult crew rescue system. The glass cockpit is equipped with a head-up-display (HUD), four SMD 66 multifunction displays, helmet-mounted sight display, image intensifiers and a GPS receiver. The helicopter also integrates navigation and attack system for helicopters (NASH).
The Ka-52 helicopters have high combat survivability and powerful weaponry. The starboard side of the fuselage is equipped with a movable gun mount fitted with 30mm automatic gun. The cannon engages targets on the ground or in the air and ranges around 2,000 meters (2,187 yards) with 200 to 800 rounds per minute.
The six wing-mounted external hardpoints can carry different combinations of weapons such as ATAKA missiles with laser guidance system and B8V-20 rocket launchers for 80mm unguided S-8 rockets. The Ka-52s can also be armed with IGLA-V anti-aircraft guided missiles.
An integral part of the armament of the Kamov Ka-52 helicopter is the “Vihr-M” guided weapon systems. These have a range of up to 10,000 meters and penetrate up to 1,000 millimeters of steel armor behind explosive reactive armor. So, the Vikhr missiles are capable of defeating even the most protected main battle tanks.
Further, the helicopter was equipped with the latest guided air-to-surface missile Product 305 E, which can strike a target at a distance of up to 14.5 kilometers with a speed of up to 230 meters per second.
Sensors, radars and countermeasures
The Ka-52 helicopter is fitted with a mast-mounted radome, housing a Radar with two antennas for aerial and ground targets.
The countermeasures are supported by active IR and electronic jammers, radar warning receiver, laser detection system, IR missile approach warning sensor and UV-26 flare / chaff dispensers.
Engines and performance of Russia’s Ka-52
The Ka-52 Alligator is powered by two Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engines driving two coaxial contra-rotating main rotors. Each engine produces a maximum take-off power of 2,400hp. The engines are equipped with a new full authority digital control system (FADEC).
Ka-52 has unique maneuverability, which was derived from its two coaxial contra-rotating main rotors. It is among the most maneuverable helicopters in the world.
Armor of the Alligator withstands hits from 23 mm projectiles. The helicopter can fly with one engine disabled. A number of Ka-52 helicopters were shot down in Ukraine. Nevertheless, it proved to be a very survivable machine. There were a number of cases when the Ka-52 was hit by a missile, but still managed to make a controlled landing. This is due to its design with contra-rotating rotors. Other helicopters loose control when the tail rotor is damaged, but Ka-52 has no tail rotor. Many Russian pilots survived when their Ka-52 was shot down.
Ka-52 battlefield management system can exchange data with similar helicopters or other helicopter types, as well as third party sources. This helicopter is also use as an aerial command post for a group of helicopters. It provides target detection and coordinates the attacks.
The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator’s two VK-2500 turboshaft engines allow the helicopter to operate at altitudes above 5,000 meters. It has a static ceiling of 4,000 meters and can take off and land in hot climates and high mountainous terrain. The Alligator can also operate in cold climates and icy condition.

Ka-52 helicopters were spotted being deployed in support of the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War in 2015, various sources stating they were involved in defense of the Russian base in Latakia, providing escort for search and rescue helicopters, and supporting Russian special forces.
For the first time, Kamov Ka-52s were seen near the town of Al-Qaryatayn, recaptured in early April 2016 from ISIS. They took part in the 2017 Palmyra offensive. On August 12, 2017, they took part in a Syrian paratroopers operation conducting a reconnaissance-strike mission.