Kamov Ka-25
Ka-25 | |
---|---|
A Soviet Ka-25 anti-submarine helicopter | |
Role | Anti-submarine / Multi-purpose shipboard helicopter |
Manufacturer | Kamov |
First flight | 26 April 1963 (hovering flight) |
Introduction | 1972 |
Status | Retired |
Primary users | Soviet Navy Russian Navy |
Produced | 1965–1977 |
Number built | ~460 |
Developed from | Kamov Ka-20 |
Developed into | Kamov Ka-27 |
The Kamov Ka-25 (
Design and development
In the late 1950s there was an urgent demand for anti-submarine helicopters for deployment on new ships equipped with helicopter platforms entering service with the Soviet Navy. Kamov's compact design was chosen for production in 1958. To speed the development of the new anti-submarine helicopter Kamov designed and built a prototype to prove the cabin and dynamic components layout; designated Ka-20, this demonstrator was not equipped with mission equipment, corrosion protection or shipboard operational equipment. The Ka-20 was displayed at the 1961 Tushino Aviation Day display.
Definitive prototypes of the Ka-25 incorporated mission equipment and corrosion protection for the structure. The rotor system introduced aluminium alloy blades pressurised with nitrogen for crack detection, lubricated hinges, hydraulic powered controls, alcohol de-icing and automatic blade folding. Power was supplied by two free-turbine engines sat atop the cabin, with electrically de-iced inlets, plain lateral exhausts with no infrared countermeasures, driving the main gearbox directly and a cooling fan for the gearbox and hydraulic oil coolers aft of the main gearbox. Construction was of stressed skin
Variants
- Ka-25BSh
- (NATO reporting name 'Hormone-A') Variants are used in the depth-charges.
- Ka-25BShZ
- Mine-sweeping version, eight built.[1]
- Ka-25C
- Little-known upgrade.
- Ka-25F
- Proposed assault version in competition with the 9M17 Phalanga Anti-tank missiles or six UB-16 rocket launchers, each with 16 S-5 rocketsor bombs.
- Ka-25Ts
- (NATO reporting name 'Hormone-B') Over The Horizon targeting version for relaying data to cruise missiles launched from surface warships and submarines. Anti-submarine equipment, Electronic Surveillance Measures and weapons bay removed and larger radar scanner/reflector in a bulged radome under the nose. Also recognisable by the semi-retractable landing gear and a small cylindrical data-link antenna under the rear fuselage.
- Ka-25K
- Civilian flying crane helicopter with a gondola under the lengthened nose for controlling slung loads up to 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb). Fitted with electrically de-iced rotor blades and optional seats for 12 passengers. A single prototype (SSSR-21110) flown in 1966.
- Ka-25PS
- (NATO reporting name 'Hormone-C') Search and rescue and transport version with no weapons bay, radome as Ka-25BSh. Normal equipment included seats for 12, rescue winch, provision for stretchers and auxiliary tanks. Optional equipment included a homing receiver, Electronic Surveillance Measures, searchlight and loudspeaker. Ka-25PS helicopters were usually painted red and white.
- Ka-25T
- (NATO reporting name 'Hormone-B') Possibly misidentified or incorrect designation for Ka-25Ts OTH targeting relay aircraft.
- Ka-25TL
- Missile tracking version. Also known as the Ka-25TI and Ka-25IV.
Operators
Former operators
- Yugoslav Air Force[9]
Specifications (Ka-25BSh)
Data from [10]
General characteristics
- Crew: 4
- Length: 9.75 m (32 ft 0 in)
- Height: 5.37 m (17 ft 7 in)
- Empty weight: 4,765 kg (10,505 lb)
- Gross weight: 7,500 kg (16,535 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Glushenkov GTD-3F turboshaft, 671 kW (900 hp) each
- Main rotor diameter: 2 × 15.74 m (51 ft 8 in)
- Main rotor area: 389.2 m2 (4,189 sq ft) contra-rotating 3-bladed rotors
Performance
- Maximum speed: 209 km/h (130 mph, 113 kn)
- Cruise speed: 193 km/h (120 mph, 104 kn)
- Range: 400 km (250 mi, 220 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 3,350 m (10,990 ft)
Armament
- 1,900 kg (4,189 lb) of disposable stores
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
Notes
- ^ Taylor 1996, p. 316
- ^ "World Air Forces 1991 pg. 38". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ "World Air Forces 2013" (PDF). Flightglobal Insight. 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
- ^ "World Air Forces 2001 pg. 66". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ "World Air Force 1987 pg. 86". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ "World Air Force 1987 pg. 91". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ "World Air Forces 2001 pg. 73". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ "World Air Force 1987 pg. 105". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ^ "World Air Force 1987 pg. 67". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
- ISBN 0-7607-6700-9
Bibliography
- Gunston, Bill. “The Osprey Encyclopaedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995”. London, Osprey. 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1996). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory. London, England: Brassey's. ISBN 1-85753-198-1.