Helicópteros Kamov: libros - historia, modelos y técnica

The Kamov Ka-50 (NATO codename Hokum) was developed as a new-generation heavily-armoured attack helicopter - originally conceived as a one-to-one replacement of the Mi-24 Hind. The programme was launched at the Moscow-based Kamov Experimental Design Bureau in the late 1970s. The concept - promoted by the then young and inventive head of Kamov, Sergey Mikheev - called for an unorthodox, well-protected, agile and small-size attack machine.

The unorthodox attack rotorcraft made its maiden flight in June 1982. It pioneered the Kamov's trademark co-axial rotor scheme, combined with a highly automated flight/navigation/targeting suite and long-range anti-tank guided missiles. In the late 1980s - after a protracted head-to-head competition pitted against the Mil Mi-28 - it was judged as being definitely superior to its competitor and was subsequently ordered for serial production.

Currently, the Ka-52 is the main new-generation type of the Russian Army Aviation Service, with approximately 200 examples ordered - plus another 36 for the Russia Naval Aviation.

This book describes the origin, development and emploiment af this impressive Russian helicopter.

The Kamov design bureau was established in late 1940s after the successful demonstration of the single engine ultra-light Ka-8 type and its improved derivate Ka-10, which was maiden flown on 30th of August 1949.
Both were rather experimental types used for exploring the options of how to utilize the helicopter.

The latter one was adopted by the Soviet naval aviation into the regular service. Due to small dimensions and small footprint given by coaxial rotors Ka-10s were for the first time deployed on Soviet Navy vessels and gave to both Experimental design bureau OKB Kamov and Soviet Navy valuable expertise with maritime helicopter operation.

In total four helicopters were test flown by the naval aviators with a following order for ten serial ships. However, due to the uncovered cockpit both types were really limited in their operational use and it just gave the background for further helicopter design for Kamov.
This book describes the design, construction and deployment of the later, much more sophisticated Kamov Ka-50 and Ka-52 military helicopters.

The Ka-50 (NATO reporting name: Hokum A) helicopter made its maiden flight 40 years ago on 17 June 1982. After undergoing extensive tests and tweaks, the helicopter was ready for full-scale production almost 10 years later. However, by then Russia had entered an economic crisis, and the money had run out.
Only in 2011, almost another 20 years later, did deliveries of the redesigned Ka-52 begin to military units. The Ka-52 Hokum B has a unique co-axial rotor design, with a two-person crew seated side by side in ejection seats, and an extremely powerful weapons and self-defence suite.
Along with the original Ka-52s, a ship-borne Ka-52K variant has been developed for the Russian Navy and an improved KA-52M ('modernised') version is being tested.
From February 2022, Ka-52s were used by Russian forces in their invasion of Ukraine.

With over 200 photographs, this book explores the history of the Ka-50 and Ka-52, their development, setbacks and successes, designs, armament and combat capabilities, presenting a holistic overview of these helicopters.