That rotor system _looks_ fragile. I’m guessing they counter-rotate to one another (like the Chinook) and maybe that makes it handle better or fly faster or...?
Pretty good looking craft, though the old Hind-D looks large in my mood nd in their inventory. How do they compare to one another?
Autocowrecked strikes again...
The Ka-50/52 is more of a medium attack chopper. The twin contra-rotating rotor makes the chopper *very* agile and somewhat faster. The Hind is a lot bigger and can transport troops and a heavier warload.
Here are some Ka-52s attacking targets in Syria. Note the crafts’ agility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oixIcGRG0U
Also, looks fragile but isn’t - the rotor head of the Ka-52 is proof against multiple 23mm AA strikes, reportedly.
The coaxial counter-rotating blades eliminate the need for a tail rotor but the main stack is mechanically complex. I have a small fleet of indoor RC helicopters with coaxial rotors. Cheap and fun to fly!
The “Design Considerations” section outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the design.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_rotors
I’ve loved the ungainly Hind since “Red Dawn”.
Whenever I see one I silently mouth the words “Avennnnge Meeee!”