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| Specifications of the Ka-52 Alligator, One of Russia's Helicopters That Was Destroyed in Ukraine |
Moscow - Russia is known as a country with a superpower military power. It is noted that they have a row of sophisticated weaponry that also supports their soldiers on the battlefield. Most recently, Russia is still continuing its conflict with Ukraine.
Since the invasion on February 24, 2022, there seems to be no sign that the Kremlin will withdraw its troops in the near future. However, the other day the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed that they had downed 3 advanced Russian helicopters. Quoted from the Eurasian Times, Kiev said it had killed 3 Ka-52 helicopters in the Donetsk region in just 30 minutes. Also read: 3 Russian Weapons That Can Trigger the World Apocalypse Through one of the tweets on social media, the Ukrainian Air Force said that they killed the Kremlin's sophisticated helicopter nicknamed "Alligator" with its anti-aircraft missiles.
So, what exactly was the Russian Ka-52 helicopter that was dropped by Ukraine?
Quoted from Airforce Technology, the Ka-52 Alligator is a type of attack helicopter that can be operated in various weather conditions. Designed by the Kamov Design Bureau, this helicopter is a twin-seat variant of the Ka-50.
The Ka-52 Alligator was first launched in 1996. This helicopter made its first flight in June 1997. After that, they started production and continued to develop it over time. In its design form, the developer combines the appearance of the Ka-50 with a touch of slight modification. With a length of about 16m, a height of 4.9m, and a main diameter of 14.5m, this helicopter has a takeoff weight of up to 10,800 kg.
In the cockpit, there are two seats that are used to accommodate the crew side by side. In addition, there are also a number of equipment such as a Head-Up-Display (HUD), SMD 66 multifunction display, image amplifier, to a GPS receiver and navigation system. On the armament side, the right side of the Ka-52 is equipped with an NPPU-80 gun coupled with a 2A42 30mm automatic cannon.
In addition, there are also around 6 external hardpoints that can be filled with various lethal support weapons. Then, the kitchen spur is powered by two Klimov VK-2500 Turboshaft engines that drive the main rotor.
Not only that, the machine is also equipped with a Full Authority Digital Control System (FADEC). This sophisticated Russian helicopter is estimated to be able to fly at a maximum altitude of 5,550m with amazing speed and cruising range.
As the name "Alligator" implies, this helicopter is built to withstand all weather and can destroy the specified target. In short, the Ka-52 is one of Russia's mainstays when fighting in the air.