Ka-60 'Kasatka' (Killer Whale) by V.Krygin (Kamov Company)

39k photo of guarded Ka-60, courtesy of AviaPhil;

T
he first Kamov helicopter with 'classical' tail-rotor layout. Ka-60 is a military transport helicopter, replacement for aging Mi-8. New machine promises 60% saving in fuel consumption, as well as far superior reliability and maintainability. It is to fulfill a full spectrum of roles, from training and assault troop transport to all-weather reconnaissance and target designation for attack helicopters.
Armament is possible on detachable pylons on the fuselage sides. With advanced avionics and electronics added, the Ka-60 can also be used for radio-electronic jamming and for special-operations missions, which have the most demanding requirements for navigation and security. The Ka-60 may also operate as part of "mixed strike groups," in conjunction with Ka-50 'Black Shark' helicopters. The Russians are developing new tactics for the helicopter, which likely will become operational early in the 21st century.
Design of the Ka-60 began in the late 80s, but its existence was not revealed until 1997, while a closely related civil version, the Ka-62 (or Ka-64), was shown many years previously, in September 1990. At that time, a first flight date of 1993 was announced. Due to the lack of money in Russia, a prototype of the Ka-60 was not completed and rolled-out at Lubertsy until August 1998.
An "official" first flight followed on 24 December (test-pilot Vladimir Lavrov on controls), but the real maiden lift-off had been on December 10. Chief test pilot Vladimir Lavrov and navigator Pavel Kalinin were in the cockpit. Test program will be finished up in a year, and manufacturing facility for new helicopter will be determined after the marketing research. Production aircraft may be available as soon as in 2000, because the Russian army already has expressed urgent interest.
The civil version (Ka-64) is also planned. It's interesting that the military version of the aircraft will be certified by civil aviation rules, reducing the time of promotion to the local and foreign markets.
Unlike many modern Russian/CIS projects, KA-60 relies 100% on domestic equipment, including avionics and RD-600 engines from 'Rybinsk Motors'.
PredecessorsModifications
None. New line for Kamov OKB Ka-62 or Ka-64
(civil development)
ReferencesLinks
  • "Независимая газета" (НГ), электронная версия (ЭВНГ). ('The Independent Newspaper') Issue 241 (1812) of 25 December 1998 г., Friday. Page 2.
  • First flight of "Kasatka"
  • Meet the Kamov Ka-60... at Military Parade
  • Kamov Ka-60 at Flug Review
  • Russian Helicopter Has Special-Ops Potential
    		• Technical data
    Type Ka-60
    Function Military transport
    Recce
    Training
    Year 1998
    Crew 2
    Engines 2*1280hp Rybinsk RD-600V turboshaft
    Length (rotor turning) 15.6m
    Fuselage Length 13.46m
    Height 4.2m
    Width over main wheels 2.50m
    Rotor diameter 4-blade 13.5m
    Rotor disk area 143.1m2
    Tail rotor diameter 11-blade 1.2m
    Max. takeoff weight
    (no external load)    		 6500kg
    Max. gross weight 6750kg
    Maximum Level Speed 300km/h
    Cruise Speed 260...270km/h
    Landing Speed 0km/h
    Landing Roll 0m
    Takeoff Roll 0m
    Ferry Range 615km
    Service Ceiling 5150m
    Hovering Ceiling (off ground) 2100m
    Hovering Ceiling (in ground) 2900m
    Climb
    at 0m 10.4m/sec
    Payload
    Fuel 1450l
    Cabin Length 3.40m
    Cabin Width 1.30m
    Cabin Height 1.78m
    Seats (Maximum) Up to 16 soldiers
    Seats (Normal) assault squad of 11 soldiers
    Stretchers 6 plus medical personal
    Internal load 2000kg
    Hook load 2750kg
    Armament
    Assorted On external pylons
    Created March 1, 1999
    by Alexandre Savine    		 Back to
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