Russia orders Ka-52K helicopters for Mistral-class LHDs

Russia has ordered a batch of 32 Kamov Ka-52K 'Hokum B' naval attack helicopters for the Russian Navy's Mistral-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) vessels.
Each Mistral-class LHD is capable of operating an air wing of around 16 naval helicopters, although their air group composition has yet to be finalised. One option could see the LHDs operating a mixed air group of eight Ka-52K strike helicopters and eight Ka-29TB 'Helix' assault transport helicopters. One or two Ka-27PS 'Helix-D' search-and-rescue helicopters may also be included. No order has yet been placed for other potential elements of the Mistral's air wing, although these could be drawn from existing stocks.
The main technological challenge that the Mistral-class will present to the Russian Navy is the need to adapt them, given that they have been built in compliance with civil-use standards and requirements - rather than to military standards.
The two Mistral-class vessels in production for the Russian Navy have been modified compared with the baseline version for the French Navy. These changes include changes in hull construction to enable them to be used in northern latitudes, including in ice conditions. The height of the vessels has also been increased due to modifications to the ships' internal hangars to allow them to accommodate large helicopters like the Ka-52K and Ka-27PS.
The vessels have been modified for the installation of extra armament, including anti-air systems and large calibre automatic weapon stations for combating surface threats, to enable the Russian Navy to use them in the open sea with a smaller escort.
janes

Kamov Working On Naval Alligator Version

With the Ka-52 now in Russian army service and being touted for export, the design bureau is busy working on a maritime version for the Russian navy.
The side-by-side seating of the Ka-52 promotes crew coordination, according to Kamov design bureau general designer.
In its Russian army version,the Ka-52 has a weapons suite including 9K120 Ataka and 9K121 Vikhr-1 missilesIt has a 2A42 30mm cannon and the ability to carry S-8 80mm unguided rockets. It can also carry Igla-S air-to-air missiles as part of the Strelets system. The helicopter is well protected with the President-S self-defense suite.
For the Russian navy’s Ka-52K Kamov is working on new weapons capabilities that are more applicable to a life at sea, according to NATO standards, bringing in foreign equipment or weapons.”
The Ka-52K is intended to serve from a variety of Russian navy vessels, but primarily the two Mistral-class amphibious assault vessels that Russia is buying from France. Ka-52K, will fly as soon as the French deliver Mistral vessels. When Mistral comes to St.Petersburg, the helicopter will be ready.
India has been identified as a good opportunity for the Ka-52. Kamov maintains that there is potential for sales there.
ainonline

Russia in Ka-52 talks with CIS nations

Russia's Rosoboronexport has entered into discussions with several CIS nations over potential purchases of the Kamov Ka-52 reconnaissance and combat helicopter.
flightglobal

Chinese attack helicopter's secret Russian roots

Sergei Mikheyev, General Designer of the Kamov Design Bureau, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Hero of the Russian Federation dropped the proverbial bombshell at Heli-Expo here in Las Vegas this afternoon.

Saving the best to last in a briefing to update a series of Kamov programs, Mikheyev told an astonished crowd that China’s Z-10/WZ-10 attack helicopter was actually designed in great secrecy under contract for China by Kamov. Dubbed Project 941, the concept was initially designed in 1995 and developed by China into the WZ-10/Z-10.

Guy Norris-aviationweek

India's 197 Copter Deal Suspended, Indefinitely.

Bad news for Eurocopter and Kamov. The Indian Army / Air Force joint reconnaissance & surveillance helicopter (RSH) acquisition programme -- for 197 helicopters all in flyaway condition -- has been indefinitely deferred.

Shiv Aroor-livefist