New Ka-52M attack helicopter sight to promote night operations.

The firepower of the upgraded Kamov Ka-52M helicopter gunships (nicknamed ‘Alligator’) will increase due to a new sight, which promotes the engagement of the weapons at night: the thermal vision channel of the sight doubles the detection and target identification range. The sight was upgraded according to the Syrian experience, where helicopters were mostly engaged at night. Ka-52 fired Vikhr guided missiles with a maximum range of 8 km in Syria.

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Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Picture source: Wikimedia Commons/Andrei Shmatko)

The upgraded helicopter will also engage new guided weapons. Work is ongoing to install Safar radar and increase Vikhr's range to 10 km. Ka-52M has to complete acceptance trials this month and has been already tested in Ukraine.

The weapons of Ka-52M are unified with those of Mi-28NM to increase the destruction range. Ka-52M has a new radar with an active phased antenna array and fires longer-range guided missiles. The helicopter has a stabilized optical-electronic system, a new digital driver that increases guidance precision, disc brakes and durable tires. The upgraded helicopter is powered by VK-2500 engines. The gunships will enjoy netcentric capabilities to interact with drones, helicopters and airplanes. It has upgraded onboard defense against MANPADS and new ballistic protection. The prototype made its first flight on August 10, 2020. The Sazykin Progress Aircraft Plant in Arsenyev will be engaged in its batch production.