Ka-28 Naval Helicopter
Last updated: 10 November 2007
The PLA Navy (PLAN) has acquired 10~20 Kamov Ka-28 (NATO codename: Helix) naval helicopters from Russia since 1997. These helicopters have been deployed on the Russian-built Project 956 Sovremenny class missile destroyers as well as Chinese indigenous surface combatants. The PLA Navy initially ordered two antisubmarine warfare (ASW) variant Ka-28s in 1997. Subsequently a further two ASW variant and two search and rescue (SAR) variant Ka-28s were ordered, and the initial batch was delivered in September 2002.
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| A PLA Naval Aviation Ka-28 helicopter releasing its VGS-3 dipping sonar in anti-submarine warfare exercise (Source: Chinese Internet) |
The Ka-28 is the export version of the Russian Navy’s Ka-27 Helix helicopter. It uses a unique twin contra-rotating rotor that makes for a shorter, squatter, but taller aircraft. The helicopter can carry up to 800kg payload and has an endurance of about 2 hours for anti-ship targeting or ASW missions. Its radar provides long-range targeting data for the SS-N-22 Sunburn (Moskit) and Club anti-ship missiles. For its antisubmarine missions the Ka-28 is equipped with dipping sonar and sonobouys.
Compared to the Chinese indigenous Z-9C (AS-565 Panther), the Ka-28 represents a significant step forward in terms of performance and capabilities. The helicopter is designed detect, track and destroy submerged submarines at a depth of 500m and running at speeds up to 75km/h at any time of year and in all weather conditions.
The Ka-28 is fitted with a coaxial main rotor with folding blades. The composite blades are fitted with an electric thermal de-icing system. The aerodynamic and design parameters allow the helicopters to be stowed in small shipborne hangars. The landing gear provides for safe take-off and landing on rocking ship decks. Corrosion-resistant materials have been used in the construction to ensure normal operation in active sea environments. The helicopter is fitted with ballonet flotation devices for emergency landing on water.
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| PLA Naval Aviation Ka-28 helicopter '1144' taking off (Source: Chinese Internet) |
The Ka-28 is powered by two Klimov (Isotov) TV3-117BK turboshaft engines each rated 1,620kW and supplied with fuel from an internal weight of 3,680kg carried in 12 tanks.
The utility transport variant of the Ka-28 has a weather radar accommodated in the nose radome. The naval ASW/SAR variant has a surface search radar mounted on the starboard float.
The helicopter can carry up to 2,000kg of disposable payload including one homing torpedo, one torpedo rocket, ten PLAB 250-120 bombs and two OMAB bombs. It is fitted with a heated torpedo bay, ensuring the reliability of weapons in low-temperature weather conditions. Its weapon may also include the Russian-made SV3 depth bomb with a sonar guidance system to aid target interception.
Avionics systems carried on the Ka-28 include standard communication
and navigation equipment, plus a range of offensive and defensive sensors.
| Offensive Sensors |
Defensive Sensors |
- A surveillance radar system with its antenna in an undernose
radome.
- The VGS-3 dipping sonar that detects submarines, determines
the coordinates of the targets and transfers the data in semi-automatic
mode to data transmission equipment.
- Magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) with its sensor in a towed ‘bird’.
- Optronic sensor
- Two externally mounted option boxes of sonar buoys, and an onboard
device to detect and guide the helicopter towards sonar buoy radio
transmissions.
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- Advanced ECM/ESM suite, and IFF (Ka-28 only)
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| Cabin Systems |
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- Acoustic data processing system and tactical display system
- Mission computer that carries out automatic control, stabilisation
and guidance of the helicopter to the mission areas to attack
targets.
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| PLA Naval Aviation Ka-28 helicopter '9154' (Source: Chinese Internet) |
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