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The Kamov Ka-27 was developed to replace the Ka-25 in Soviet naval
service, and is now the Russian navy's standard ship based ASW helicopter.
The Kamov design bureau began work on a successor for its Ka-25
in 1967, when Sergei Mikheyev became chief designer following Nikolai
Kamov's death. The Soviet navy required a replacement for its Ka-25s
which could not operate dunking sonar at night or in poor weather.
The result was the Ka-27 (NATO name 'Helix'), an all new helicopter
of similar overall dimensions to the Ka-25 and featuring Kamov's
signature counter rotating coaxial main rotors. The Ka-27 flew for
the first time in 1973.
The Ka-27's similar overall dimensions to the Ka-25 means it requires
only the same amount of deck space to operate from as the older
helicopter. However the Ka-27 features more powerful Isotov turboshafts
which turn redesigned, although similar diameter rotors, giving
greater performance and allowing higher weights.
The basic Ka-27PL anti submarine warfare helicopter features an
under nose mounted search radar, dipping sonar and disposable sonobuoys.
The Ka-27PL usually operates in 'hunter killer' teams, with one
aircraft tracking the target sub, the other dropping depth charges.
The Ka-28 is a downgraded export version of the Ka-27PL, while the
Ka27PS is a naval SAR helicopter with some ASW equipment deleted,
an external winch and fuselage side mounted fuel tanks. The Ka-29
assault transport derivative is described separately.
The helicopter is fitted with a coaxial main rotor with folding
blades. The composite blades are fitted with an electric thermal
de-icing system. The aerodynamic and design parameters allow the
helicopters to be stowed in small shipborne hangars. The landing
gear provides for safe take-off and landing on rocking ship decks.
Corrosion-resistant materials have been used in the construction
to ensure normal operation in active sea environments. The helicopter
is fitted with ballonet flotation devices for emergency landing
on water.
The Ka-27 helicopter is powered by two TV3-117KM turboshaft engines.
The Ka-28, a modification of the Ka-27, is powered by two more powerful
TV3-117VK turboshaft engines, with increased fuel and take-off weight.
The helicopter is equipped with a radar system for navigation and
to detect surfaced submarines and responder beacons. The VGS-3 dipping
sonar detects submarines, determines the coordinates of the submarine
and transfers the data in semi-automatic mode to data transmission
equipment. The mission computer carries out automatic control, stabilisation
and guidance of the helicopter to the mission areas to attack targets.
The helicopter also has a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) and an
airborne receiver to detect and guide the helicopter towards sonar
buoy radio transmissions.
The helicopter is armed with one homing torpedo, one torpedo rocket,
ten PLAB 250-120 bombs and two OMAB bombs. It is fitted with a heated
torpedo bay, ensuring the reliability of weapons in low-temperature
weather conditions.
The Ka-29 is the naval combat and transport helicopter version
of the Ka-27. The mission of the helicopter is to land navy and
infantry units with armament from combatant ships, ensure fire support
for seaborne assault troops, ferry personnel and cargo from ship
bases, and supply vessels to combatant ships. The structure of the
Ka-29 is very similar to the Ka-27 and Ka-28. The helicopter is
powered by two TV3-117V turboshaft engines.
The Ka-32 is the civil version of the Ka-27, and while none have
been sold to military operators, some Ka-32s in Aeroflot markings
have been observed operating off Russian naval vessels.
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