Modernization of the "Alligators" will protect pilots and allow them to destroy small targets at the maximum range
The southern military district will be the first to receive an updated version of the ka-52 alligator With improved combat capabilities, taking into account the experience of Syria. Its main difference will be the ability to use more long-range and accurate anti-tank guided missiles. The modification will increase the capabilities of the existing extensive fleet of Kamov helicopters in anticipation of creating a new, deeper modernization. The new weapon will reduce losses from enemy fire, experts say.
Above the battlefield
The first "alligator snipers" have already arrived in one of the army aviation units in the southern military district, sources in the Ministry of defense told Izvestia. They have increased not only the range, but also the accuracy of hitting targets. Now it is possible to destroy both armored vehicles and small-sized mobile objects with missiles at long distances, and hunt them in difficult mountainous and wooded areas day and night.
In August of this year, the head of the Kalashnikov concern Dmitry Tarasov told about the development of a new version of the Vikhr-1 rocket for Ka-52 attack helicopters. According to him, the range of this version will grow immediately by a quarter, from 8 to 10 km. The head did not disclose other details of the modernization program of the complex, which has only recently been put into service.
Vikhr-1 missile system»
Image source: Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
The first batch of" Vikhr-1 " under a large contract for 13 billion rubles, the Russian military received in 2015. The novelty was immediately tested during the anti-terrorist operation in the Syrian Arab Republic. This was the combat debut for both the ammunition and the Alligators themselves. They participated in the battles for Palmyra, Deir ez-Zor, and then in the final defeat of the ISIL group (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) in the Euphrates river valley. According to the Deputy chief of the General staff, Lieutenant General Igor Makushev, the use of the Ka-52 with these missiles was successful.
The Russian military Department provided several videos confirming the destruction of tanks and terrorist vehicles by these helicopters at a distance of more than 7 km, both during the day and in the dark.
Before the appearance of the Vortices, the main anti-tank weapon of the Alligators was the Sturm-VU complex. But its missiles fly no further than 6 km, and at night the range of their use fell by almost half.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Zurab javakhadze
Image source: iz.ru
Long-range weapons installed on the upgraded Ka-52 make it possible to use them more widely in military operations, former commander of the 4th army of the air force and air defense, Lieutenant General Valery Gorbenko, told Izvestia.
— The efficiency of these helicopters is significantly increased. If the enemy's armored vehicles are concentrated near the front line, our vehicles can destroy them without going beyond the contact line. This protects them from being hit by short-range anti-aircraft missile systems, DShK machine guns, and small-caliber anti-aircraft guns. Accordingly, the probability of losses decreases.
New vehicles are being sent to the southern military district, as it is responsible for a difficult region, the expert believes.
- Once upon a time, the Squaw was called a sanatorium-resort military district among themselves. But it is currently an Outpost. The situation in the South is not easy, so the grouping in this direction is increasing, " Gorbenko said.
"Supererogatory»
Update for the ability to use the new long-range "Vortices" receive regular combatant Ka-52. But a deeply upgraded version of them is already in the testing stage. Although the combat use of Alligators in Syria was generally considered successful, the Ministry of defense ordered the creation of an improved version of it. The contract for development work was signed in April last year. The first prototype of the Ka-52M first flew on August 10 this year. Its tests, along with a new set of weapons, are scheduled to be completed in 2022.
It was reported that the deeply upgraded Kamov combat helicopter will be able to use even more long-range ammunition than the "Whirlwind" family. It, like the Mi-28NM, will be equipped with a new light multi-purpose guided missile, known as the "product 305". There was also information about plans to use these new combat vehicles even more long-range complexes "Hermes-A", with a range of up to 100 km.
Syrian army soldiers and a Ka-52 alligator helicopter during a combat operation in the vicinity of the liberated city of al-Qaryatain, Syria, April 3, 2016
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Mikhail Voskresensky
According to the developers, to use them, it was necessary to equip the combat vehicle with an improved optoelectronic system. It can be used to detect targets at a much longer distance, especially at night. A new radar station with an active phased array will also help. It is useful both for flying at low altitude in difficult weather conditions, and for finding ground and air enemies.
For better interaction with its troops, the helicopter will be able to automatically interface with the Sagittarius intelligence, control and communications complex. Soldiers on the battlefield will be able to quickly and accurately direct pilots to the target, as well as mark their positions to avoid erroneous attacks on them.
Ka-52 helicopters during the Victory day parade on red square, may 9, 2020
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev
The accuracy of the built-in 30 mm cannon will be improved by installing a new digital drive for it. It will help you hold the target more accurately in the scope and provide improved stabilization when shooting.
The Ka-52M composite main rotor blades have a powerful heater built in, which will allow the combat vehicle to operate safely even in the Arctic climate. The designers also took care of the crew. The cabin ergonomics will be improved and better adapted to flying with night vision goggles. Based on the experience of using it in Syria, its reservation will be further strengthened.
Anton Lavrov
