KAMOV KA-25 HORMONE

Type: ASW helicopter.

Known Serial Numbers: IN-571
...............................IN-572
...............................IN-573
...............................IN-574
...............................IN-575
...............................IN-576
...............................IN-577

Powerplant: Two Glushenkov GTD-3F turboshafts each rated at 671-kW (900-shp).

Maximum Speed: 113 knots (130 mph; 182 km/h).

Service Ceiling: Not Known.

Range: 216 nautical miles (400 km).

Sensors: The Ka-25s of the Indian Navy featured a search radar, a dipping sonar in the cabin rear and a canister of sonobuoys fitted externally.

Weapons: Under fuselage weapons bay for homing torpedoes plus depth bombs.

Comments: Seven Ka-25s (all being ex-Soviet Navy) were on order for the Indian Navy, and these formed the equipment of the new INAS 333 Squadron, commissioned in December 1980. Each operated by a two-man crew, the Ka-25s were essentially for ASW with secondary surveillance and SAR duties. Endurance was three hours, but the helicopter had a limited night and all-weather sonar-dipping capability. The Ka-25 are still in service with the Naval Air Arm, albeit in a limited role.