Ka-29 assault-transport helicopter, Kamov OKB (NATO "Helix-B") |
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| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Ka-29 |
| Function | Assault Transport |
| Year | 1976 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Powerplant (2) | |
| Type | TV3-117V |
| Power at 0m | 2X2200hp |
| Size (parked) | |
| Length | 12.25m |
| Width | 3.08m |
| Height | 5.44m |
| Rotor diameter | 15.9m |
| Disk area | 198.5m2 |
| Weights and loads | |
| Empty | 5520kg |
| Loaded | 11000kg |
| Maximum | 11500kg |
| With external winch | 12600kg |
| Disc load (kg/m2) | 63.5 |
| Power load (kg/hp) | 2.86 |
| Speed | |
| Maximum | 280km/h |
| Cruising | 235km/h |
| Maneuverability | |
| g-limits | 2.3 |
| Range | |
| Practical | 460km |
| Combat (6 to 8 strike passes) | 100km |
| Ferry | 740km |
| Ceiling | |
| Static | 3700m |
| Dynamic | 4300m |
| Climb | |
| at 0m | 15.5m/sec |
| Payload | |
| Fuel | 5000kg? |
| Winch load | 300kg |
| Cargo (external) | 4000kg |
| Cargo (inside) | 2000kg |
| Weapon load | 1850kg |
| Cabin size LxWxH | ?m3 |
| Seats | 16 |
| Armament | |
| Gun Type | ? 7.62mm |
| Position | Nose |
| Ammo | 1800 |
| Assorted | |
| Gun Type | 2*UPK-23-250 23mm |
| Position | Stub-wing |
| Ammo | 2*250 |
| Bombs | 2*ZB-500 |
| "Sturm" anti-tank missile (AT-6) | up to 8 |
| S-5 50mm | up to 128 |
| S-8 80mm | up to 80 |
| Other | |
| Cost | ~$1,500,000 |
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Shipborne assault-transport helicopter Ka-29 project was started in 1973 to comply with VMF requirements. New machine had to serve for marines landing and fire support, personnel and cargo transportations.
The team lead by Deputy Chief Designer S.N.Fomin, leading designer G.M.Danilochkin and leading engineer of the test programme B.V.Barshevsky used Ka-27 shipborn helicopter as a basis for the project, and the first flight was performed on July 28, 1976 by test pilot E.I.Laryushin. The State acceptance trials were completed in May 1979. Series production started in 1984. Three years later new helicopter was spotted by NATO reconnaissaters abroad large landing ship "Ivan Rogov"
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The (external) changes compared to the Ka-27 are visible mostly in the forward section of fuselage. It is widened, with changes to the nose profile including a five piece flat windscreen and bluntened nose. The Ka-29 also features a small radar thought to be for missile targeting, and an electro optical sensor under the nose, thought to be a combined TV/FLIR unit.
In transport configuration Ka-29 can carry 16 equipped troopers or 10 wounded including four stretchers (necessary medical supplies and equipment included). 2000kg cargo may be carried in the cabin, or 4000kg externally. In addition, 300kg winch may be installed. Cargo cabin is equipped by doors on the both sides of fuselage, similar to Mi-24. Landing gear allows safe landing on the ship even during stormy conditions. Inflatable pontoons are used for emergency landing on the water surface. Ka-29 may be converted to ether transport or combat configuration in field (ship) conditions.
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Combat variant carries targeting equipment: anti-tank "Sturm-B", aviation sight ASP-17BK etc. Stub-wing carry 2 pylons each for guided anti-tank "Sturm" missiles, containers with unguided S-5 or S-8 rockets, universal gun containers UPK-23-250, bombs. To speed up weapons loading, helicopter is equipped with 500kg winch.
In ether configuration, navigator has a movable 7.62mm 4-barrel Gatling-type machinegun with 1800 rounds. It may be aimed in sector +0°-31° vertically and +28°-30° horizontally. In addition, fixed 2A42 30mm gun with 250 rounds and laser range finder (linked to ASP-17BK sight) may be installed.
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Crew cabin and propulsion system are armored. Fuel tanks are protected by synthetic foam and neutral gas filling system. Additional exhaust screening may be installed, as well as flares and optoelectronic jammers.
Ka-29 has an auxiliary engine used to start major powerplant. Engines allow operation in hot and humid conditions, continuous hovering. Helicopter is capable to climb even with one engine cut off.
Co-axial design provides Ka-29 with numerous advantages. Low vibration level considerably decreases targeting errors and the initial dispersal of ammunition. Comparison firing tests results for single-rotor Mi-24 and Ka-29 were performed. Both machines were equipped with identical sights, fixed guns and unguided rockets. Firing accuracy of the Ka-29 proved to be approximately twice as good. In 1987 G.M.Danilochkin was awarded the State Prize for his role in the development of the Ka-29's weapons system.
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Another advantage of co-axial helicopters is their symmetric handling. There is no speed restrictions on the "flat turns", allowing quick aiming in any direction on any flight speed.
Cockpit is equipped for effective day-and-night operations in any weather conditions. Autopilot allows all-weather pre-programmed approach and landing at chosen location, as well as automatic approach using radio-buoy. Communication system provides effective data link with base ship and other helicopters, command centers and troops. Ka-29 may also be used from land. In winter 2000 - 2001 it was used in Chechnya anti-insurgent operations as a reconnaissance and targeting platform with Ka-50 strike helicopters (combat trials of the latest).
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For storage, rotor blades and stub-wings may be folded.
As of 2000, 59 helicopters were built. Manufacturer - Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise
| Predecessors | Modifications | |
|---|---|---|
 Ka-27 |
 Ka-31 (Ka-29RLD) |
 Ka-32 |
| References | ||
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