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 Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark helicopters proved superior to their Russian competition, the Mil Mi-28, during testing to become the next attack helicopter for the Red Army. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union has kept funding at a minimum and thus far only a small number of the helicopters have been built. The two seat helicopter version is designated the Ka-52.
Ka-50 helicopters utilize contra-rotating rotor blades on a single shaft that eliminates the need for a tail rotor. The helicopter is extremely aerobatic, capable of performing loops, rolls and all advanced aerobatic helicopter maneuvers. It is said to be more maneuverable than both the US AH-64 Apache and the Eurocopter Tiger.
Its avionics, however, do not appear to be as sophisticated as either of its rivals.
In 2001 the Ka-50 began limited action in Chechyna, together with the more heavily used Mil Mi-24 helicopter. Even though far too few were deployed to have any significant impact, the Kamov Design Bureau considers its mission a success.
A pair of separately mounted engines spaced far apart in the helicopter reduce the chances of both engines being put out of action at the same time. The engines can continue running without oil for about thirty minutes.
This gives the pilot the opportunity to land in a safe location in the event that the oil system is damaged. It also has numerous redundant systems allowing additional safety during its missions.
The cockpit armor can stop 12.7 mm armor piercing, as well as 23mm fragments. The rotor blades are sufficiently strong to resist minor combat damage.
The Kamov Ka-50 is the world's first operational helicopter with an ejection seat similar to the ones used in jet fighters.
To date it appears that less than 30 of the helicopters have been produced.
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Power:
Length:
Height:
Rotor Diameter:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Cannons:
Anti Tank Missiles:
Rockets:
Bombs:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
Year Deployed:
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attack
one
Klimov
2- 2,225 hp ea.
44' 3"
17' 9"
2- 47' 7" ea.
17,200 lbs.
22,900 lbs.
1- 30 mm
twelve
40- 3.2"
1,100 lbs.
170 mph
217 mph
1,980 fpm
18,000 feet
720 miles
1995
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Kamov Ka-50
