| Kamov Ka-60 "Kasatka" 19?? |  |
 |
|
| Kamov Ka-60 "Kasatka" 19?? | |
|
|
English name: Killer Whale TYPE: Medium transport helicopter. PROGRAMME: Original coaxial rotor, twin tail, single-engined V-60 won Soviet Army lightweight helicopter and Mi-8 replacement competition against heavier, twin-engined Mil Mi-36 in 1982; subsequently, design considerably modified to achieve greater speed through adoption of single main rotor and Fenestron-type of tail rotor with eleven blades. First flight originally due 1993, but programme slowed by funding shortages, and priority changed to promotion of civil variant (see Ka-62). Ka-60 officially revealed at Lyubertsy on 29 July 1997, when prototype close to completion; first flew (601) 10 December 1998; second sortie 21 December; first official flight 24 December; all were hovering flights; international debut at MAKS '99, Moscow, August 1999; first 'forward flight' 24 December 1999. Further testing was intermittent, due to irregular Ministry of Defence funding; production versions of RD-600V turboshaft installed mid-2002. At this time, it was stated only that the prototype had completed "several" flights, although State Trials were not due to begin until early 2003. Conflicting reports quote both Arsenyev and Ulan Ude as prospective production lines. However, LMZ (now LAPIK, part of RSK "MiG") was reported in April 2000 to be preparing for production and in mid-2001 was building second prototype, which to be completed as a trainer in Ka-60U configuration. This entered final assembly in July 2002, although RD-600 engines were not due to have been received until late 2002. Displayed (marked as 602) at MAKS ‘03, Moscow, August 2003. Series production LAPIK was due to begin in 2003. In August 2002, it was announced that power plant will be changed to Klimov VK-1500 to increase participation by RSK "MiG" group. A smaller variant of Ka-60 was reported in mid-2001 to have been offered to Russian Navy. CURRENT VERSIONS: Pilot and aircrew training (Ka-60U), utility, shipborne over-the-horizon targeting (Ka-60K) reconnaissance (Ka-60R) anti-tank and anli-helicopter versions proposed; role of Ka-60R, with Samshit target acquisition system, transferred to Kamov Ka-52. CUSTOMERS: None. Long-term interest maintained by Russian Army; reportedly evaluated by Iran. Russian requirements estimated as over 100 Ka-60Us between 2001 and 2010. COSTS: US$1.7 million, Ka-60U (2000). DESIGN FEATURES: Generally as for Ka-62, but with IR- and radar-absorbent coatings, reduced rotor speed, low-IR exhausts. POWER PLANT: Prototype has RKBM Rybinsk RD-600V Turboshafts, as Ka-62. Production engine will be 1,103kW Klimov VK-1500. RRTM RTM322 or GE CT7 available in export versions. ACCOMMODATION: Up to 16 infantry troops; or six stretchers and three attendants. Pilot (starboard) and co-pilot/gunner (port) side by side. Provision for dual controls; control stick top common with Ka-50/52. SYSTEMS: All Russian; Western equivalents optional for export. AVIONICS: As above, including Pastel RWR and Otklik laser warning system. EQUIPMENT: Cargo hook. ARMAMENT: One-piece transverse boom through cabin, to rear of doors, optional to provide suspension for total of two B-8V-7 seven-round 80mm rocket pods, two 7.62mm or 12.7mm gun pods, or similar armament. Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005
Ka-60 "Kasatka" is intended for carrying landing troops, delivery of weapons and ammunition to the battlefield area, evacuation of casualties, protection and patrol of economic zones when based on the ships, search and rescue operations, training of the crews. Ka-60 helicopter has single-rotor scheme with five-blade rotor of 13.5-m diameter. The polymeric composite blade is attached to the hub by a torsion bar. The airframe features perfect aerodynamic outlines, large door openings on both fuselage sides, retractable three-leg energy-absorbing landing gear and multi-blade (11 blades) tail rotor in the tail ring. The seats of the crew and the troopers are energy attenuating seats. The pilot-in-command is on the right-hand seat. The power plant of the helicopter is comprised of new-generation modular-design engines developed by Rybinsk Motor Design Bureau, headed by Mr. A. Novikov, Designer General. Particular attention is paid to the increased combat survivability means of the helicopter. All principal systems and units of Ka-60 are duplicated and separated. The rotor blades with several holes from the automatic gun hits remain operable. The control system links and transmission shafts sustain the hits of 12.7-mm bullets. The composite polymeric materials that make about 60% of the helicopter structural weight also add to the increased survivability of the helicopter being more resistant to the combat damages. The foam polyurethane that filled the tanks prevents the danger of the fuel explosion. Higher survivability of the helicopter in the battlefield is also achieved by lower optical, IR and radar signatures. The on-board avionics suite depends on the application version of the helicopter. The basic suite for all versions is the one for transport assault helicopter. This suite ensures operational missions in daytime and night, in VFR and IFR conditions.
|
