Cracks in the Armor: Ukraine Grounds Russia’s ‘Invincible’ Ka-52
The Ka-52 helicopter, colloquially known as “Putin’s Eagles” by Ukrainian media, was once a linchpin in Russia’s military doctrine in Ukraine. For years, the nimble, heavily armored chopper with anti-tank missiles that can operate at ranges up to 10 kilometers served as a formidable piece of aerial hardware for the Russian military. This helicopter’s high agility allowed it to decimate Ukrainian armor while remaining frustratingly out of reach for Ukraine’s anti-air defenses. But there’s a shift in the winds, a tangible change in the texture of this complex, grinding war.
The Kamov Ka-52 “Alligator” is an all-weather, twin-seat, coaxial-rotor attack helicopter engineered for versatility and durability. Designed as an upgrade of its predecessor, the Ka-50, the helicopter comes fitted with a unique coaxial rotor system that eliminates the need for a tail rotor. This innovative design grants the Ka-52 exceptional maneuverability and stability, allowing it to execute complex aerobatic maneuvers, such as loops and rolls, that are generally considered off-limits for attack helicopters. Under the hood, the Ka-52 boasts two VK-2500 turboshaft engines, providing a maximum speed of about 300 km/h (186 mph) and an operational range of around 460 km (285 miles).
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