The Russian Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and attack helicopter was born as a prototype on June 25, 1997. Since then, the car has come a long way of development and has been improved several times. The latest modification of the Alligator, the Ka-52M, not only surpasses all other domestic attack helicopters in its parameters, but can also take on the functions of an attack aircraft, making the latter virtually unnecessary in those areas where the 52nd is present.
Designers puzzled over the specifics of using the Ka-52 until 2009. They even considered options for converting this helicopter into an army aviation command vehicle, which would have to deal with target designation, aircraft guidance and coordination of combat groups. At the same time, the Ka-52 was terribly similar to another domestic development - the Mi-28 helicopter. Both cars have a similar purpose, approximately the same dimensions and even the price. All this made us think about the profitability of using two attack helicopters in the armed forces.
As a result, by the end of 2020, a new modification of the Alligator appeared based on the serial Ka-52 model. Compared to its predecessor, the Ka-52M has been significantly improved. The vehicle was equipped with the latest sighting system, an updated communications system and an improved fire control system. The navigation system was redesigned, the helicopter received additional fuel tanks and a number of improvements in the design of propellers and engines. Thanks to this, the Ka-52M is one of the few helicopters capable of hovering evenly in the air even in a strong crosswind. By the way, even the Mi-28 cannot do this and has to maneuver.
At the moment, the Ka-52M is undergoing flight tests, which will last until 2022. It is known that the helicopter can accelerate to 300 km / h and carry out raids to a distance of up to 460 km. In the blue heights "Alligator" rises to an altitude of 5 km at a speed of 15 m / s. A formidable attack helicopter can arm itself in a variety of ways. The main armament is, of course, the 30mm 2A42 cannon and the 23mm GSh-23L cannon. In addition, the vehicle has 6 weapon suspension points. The combat load can reach 2.8 tons. The Ka-52 can fire both guided and non-guided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. In addition, aircraft bombs can be placed on the vehicle.
If you want to know even more interestingly, then you should read about helicopter overexposed on the ground: why the Ka-60 was not needed by the Russian army.