According to the data provided, the first deeply modernized Ka-52M helicopters may enter the army in 2022. Recently, the Aerospace Forces received the first Mi-28NM.
Russia is actively working on the Ka-52M helicopter, which in the future should become one of the most powerful machines in its class. Recently, it began flight tests, and now the approximate date of receipt of the helicopter in the troops has become known.
According to the press service of the Russian Helicopters holding, the first deliveries of new vehicles may begin in 2022. "...The planned completion date for the development work is 2022. We are meeting this deadline and, taking into account the length of the production cycle, we are ready to start assembling Ka-52M helicopters now in order to ensure the first deliveries of production vehicles next year," said Yuri Denisenkov, Managing Director of AAC Progress.
According to him, in 2020, two prototypes of the Ka-52M were created on the territory of the enterprise on the basis of serial Ka-52 helicopters. The modernization of the basic version was carried out taking into account the experience of using rotorcraft in Syria. Among other things, the Ka-52M will receive a new power supply and target detection system. The helicopter will boast better survivability and a longer target detection range.
One of the main features of the Ka-52M should be a promising long-range missile, known as the "Product 305". According to open sources, its range will exceed 25 kilometers (according to some sources, the range of the missile is 100 kilometers). In the first stage of the flight, it will use the inertial system, and in the last-the homing head. This will allow you to operate far beyond the mobile anti-aircraft missile systems of the enemy and in general can significantly increase the combat capabilities of the helicopter.
Earlier, the "Product 305" was tested as part of the armament of the Mi-28NM attack helicopter — the latest and most "advanced" modification of the Mi-28N attack helicopter to date. The upgraded helicopter is the standard carrier of the new rocket.
The transfer of the first of the previously ordered Mi-28NM to the Russian army was announced in December. In total, according to the previously concluded contract, the Ministry of Defense should deliver 98 such helicopters.
