The Kamov KA-31 Helix AEW is often referred to as the KA-29 RLD (Radio Lokacionnowo Dozora). This chopper is a development of the Ka-27 Helix, an ASW and naval transport machine, in service with Russian and other former Soviet Navies. This helicopter is intended for detection of airborne targets, and surface ships, their tracking and transmission of data to command posts. Under the transport cabin floor there is a compartment housing the support-rotating mechanism of a 6-m span antenna. To prevent the interference in the antenna all-round rotation plane the nose landing gear legs are retracted rearward into the cowlings flight-wise and the main legs are retracted upward. In stowed position the antenna is kept against the fuselage bottom. The search and attack equipment of Ka-27 helicopter intended for fighting against sub-marines is dismounted. Instead, a radio-electronic suite is installed for radar target detection, targets identification and transmission of the over-water and air situation data to the ship-based and ground-based command posts. Ka-31 is ship- and ground-based. The core of the on-board avionics suite is a powerful solid-state radar. The radio-electronic package automatically controls the helicopter flight over the specified route in any weather and climatic conditions. When the radio-electronic package is on, the antenna is extended and the navigator has elected the operational mode, all further operations are performed automatically without operator interference. The navigator role is limited to control the systems operation and to duplicate target observation on the display screen.

Two Ka-29s were converted to Ka-31 standard as prototypes for a new ship-borne EW helicopter. The prototypes underwent operational trials at sea on the sole Russian aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, prior its debut at the Mosaero Airshow in 1995. Kamov is also promoting a tactical EW development of the Ka-31 for use by army or air force operators, which would detect low-flying aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. The platform could also be used to relay reconnaissance information from other helicopters or unmanned air vehicles to a ground station, and to transmit targeting information to attack helicopters. The NIIRT institute has also developed a shore-based version of the Oko system for integration with a ground vehicle. The system's antenna is raised to a height of 12 to 16 metres during operations.

Despite interest from the Russian and several other Navies, a lack of funding has effectively suspended the development of this aircraft, as well as its conventional naval AEW counterparts, the AN-71 Madcap and YAK-44.

Characteristics

Powerplants: Two 1635kW (2190shp) Klimov (Isotov) TV3-117V turboshafts, driving two three-blade counter rotating coaxial main rotors.
Max level speed at sea level 280km/h (151 kt), cruising speed 235km/h (127kt).
Max initial rate of climb 3050ft/min
Service ceiling 14,100ft
Hovering ceiling out of ground effect 12,140ft.
Ferry range 740km (400nm), range with max standard fuel 460krn (248nm)
Combat radius with six to eight attack passes 100krn (54nm)
Weights. Empty 5520kg (12,170lb), max takeoff 12,600kg (27,775lb).

More Links for this aircraft:

Indian AirForce l

World's rotorcrafts

Venik's Aviation

Wikipedia

Save This Page