Posted on 12/09/2014 4:41:27 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
A press release by company Russian Helicopters suggests that the Ka-52K helicopter (K stands for korabielny, which means naval), is ready and the first units of the rotor-craft have already been manufactured and are due to undergo a test-flying program.
The naval variant can fold its rotor blades for better space management aboard helicopter carriers.
The absence of a tail rotor makes the choppers ideal for use on carriers, even though they are slightly taller than their Western counterparts.
The company's announcement is noteworthy considering France's suspension of the delivery of the Mistral vessels which were meant to be fielded with the new helicopters.
The Ka-52K prototype has been tested aboard another Russian carrier, the Kuznetsov. The latest events, however, suggest that helicopters may not get a mother-ship on which to be stationed. Reports by defence24.pl state that the Mistrals would be home for 8 Ka-52Ks and the same number of multipurpose utility Ka-29TB’s.
According to another report, published by Polish State Radio, Jean-Yves Le Drian (head of the French Ministry of Defense) said the Mistrals would not be delivered to Russia anytime soon.
The French have their reasons for such a course of action: the ongoing Ukrainian crisis should leave none surprised by the suspension of the Mistral deals.
Francois Hollande has also spoken of the suspension in the past.
The Mistral deal entailed the purchase of two vessels, worth a combined $1.6 billion. It would have been the most lucrative military equipment import agreement for Russia since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The first ship was to be delivered in October or November, and the second sometime next year.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
Probably need that second prop for stability. I see they’re getting away from their utilitarian look and going more mainstream. In the past all of their weapons had this built in a no-frills home shop type look.
Their have been some rumors (perhaps you’ve heard them) that upwards of 400 Russians were transported to France to sail the Vladivostok back to Mother Russia. However, when France cancelled the deal, the Russian sailors “removed” certain critical parts from the Vlad and went back to Russia with them. No idea if true/false...
I wish these countries like France would quit backing out of contracts. They did the same to Israel.
Contra-rotating main rotor eliminate the need for a tail rotor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuceTxUSAR4
It is a very ancient design actually and it is much easier to handle than conventional chopper. This one, powered by a couple radial engines, was very popular in 2nd world at the time. There were people who have never seen an automobile but could easily operate this type.
There’s a lesson there. If you are an industrialized nation, bite the bullet and build your own weapons.
Seriously. It’s a black mark on Russia that they have to get France to build their ships.
We do it too. We are buying way too much from foreigners. All kinds of electronics components from China that go in our planes. Solid rocket boosters from Russia. European helicopters for Marine One white house duty. Tankers from Airbus. etc etc,,
The one worlders love it. But all of those could be done here.
We can’t build our own ships, just like Russia?
It sure is.
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