Along with Russian Helicopters’ official launch of a high-speed combat helicopter concept for the Russian military, the manufacturer is spending much more on efforts to fine-tune its existing products for the country’s defense ministry and foreign clients.
The contract to start development of a high-speed combat helicopter was signed by the defense ministry at the end of August. The aim of the two-year effort is to define the conceptual design for the high-speed rotorcraft. Russian Helicopters says it will use the experience gained during testing of a high-speed technology demonstrator.
This demonstrator is based on the Mil Mi-24 attack helicopter platform and features a streamlined nose section and cockpit to improve aerodynamics; fully composite blades for the main rotor are also featured. Flight tests began in December 2015, and the following year it achieved a speed of 405 kph (250 mph). The next stage of testing was meant to take the demonstrator to a speed threshold of 500 kph, but whether this was accomplished has not been revealed.

The naval version of the Ka-52
The naval version of the Ka-52 is being upgraded to be able to defend against guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. Credit: Russian Helicopters


“Both the ministry of defense and our holding [company] believe the parameters received during the tests and the experience gained to be enough to move on to the next stage—the development of a high-speed combat helicopter,” notes Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Russian Helicopters.
The new high-speed model is likely to replace the Russian Air Force’s current fleet of combat helicopters. The service has selected the Mil Mi-28N as its main attack rotorcraft but has also purchased its direct competitor—the Kamov Ka-52—for combat reconnaissance missions. Nevertheless, Russian Helicopters continues to expand the capabilities of both models.
The latter manufacturer reported in August it has already assembled the first production Mi-28UB rotorcraft for the defense ministry. Acceptance tests are underway, and the company plans to deliver eight airframes by year-end.
Mi-28UB is a combat trainer variant with dual flight controls that enable it to be operated from tandem cockpits. Other improvements include more spacious cockpits and new energy-absorbing crew seats. This version was unveiled in 2013, and joint evaluation trials were completed in 2015. The Russian military ordered 24 aircraft of this version, to be handed over through the end of 2018.
But the military is also considering the purchase of the more sophisticated variant, dubbed Mi-28NM. According to Boginsky, if the contract is approved soon, first deliveries could begin in 2018.
The NM version made its first flight in October 2016. It is outfitted with a new radar and flight control system as well as improved avionics. The helicopter has a new movable 30-mm gun mount that enables the use of precision weapons, including guided missiles. It also has increased speed, thanks to new composite main rotor blades.
The Ka-52 is undergoing similar improvements. According to Boginsky, the helicopter will receive new defense systems against guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. The aircraft payload will be increased to enable it to use new weapons.
The latter improvement will also be used on a naval version—the Ka-52K. It was initially developed for deployment on French Mistral-class landing carriers, which the Russian Navy had intended to purchase from France. The Ka-52K features folding main rotor blades and folding half-wings. The naval version also boasts increased corrosion protection, an adjusted air conditioning system and a special avionics suite to enable instrument landing on the ship’s deck.
After the deal with France was canceled, the Russian military opted to adapt these helicopters for future domestically made assault ships. A pair of Ka-52Ks has been tested on Russia’s only aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, during its mission to the Mediterranean Sea in 2016 and early 2017. Another round of testing was completed this summer when the helicopters made several landings on Russia’s most modern frigate, the Admiral Gorshkov. Now one of the prototypes is a new inertial navigation system, and the other is being prepared for electromagnetic interference tests, reports the manufacturer.
Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov says the military has already synchronized helicopter procurement plans with the deliveries of future landing ships. “The helicopters will be purchased before the ships enter service . . .  as we need to have a combat-ready air wing [timed to that event],” he says.
The military did not specify where the Ka-52Ks will be assigned. One possible candidate is the Priboy large landing ship project, designed by St. Petersburg-based Krylov State Research Center. It can accommodate up to 16 Kamov helicopters on flight and hangar decks including Ka-52Ks, Ka-27s and Ka-29s.
According to Boginsky, the contract for Ka-52Ks is expected to be concluded under the new state procurement program through 2025. It is set to be approved by year-end. Serial production for the Russian Navy will start by 2020.
But the first naval Ka-52s may be destined for a foreign customer. Russian Helicopters has secured an order for this type with Egypt, the country that purchased the two Mistral ships initially built for the Russian Navy. Boginsky says that Russian Helicopters has already trained foreign technicians and that pilot training will be completed this month.