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KAMOV KA-28 HELIX-A Type: ASW helicopter. Known
Serial Numbers:
IN-571 Number in Service: 13 (incl. 3 trainers). Powerplant: Two Isotov TV3-117BK turbo shafts, each rated at 1660-kW (2225-shp), drive contra-rotating blades which have been shortened in length by comparison with those of the Ka-25 for better manoeuvrability on deck. Operational Speed: 110 knots (204 km/h). Service Ceiling: 12,000 ft. (3660 miles). Range: 270 nautical miles (500 km). Sensors: Splash Drop search radar, VGS-3 dipping sonar and sonobuoys. Armament: Up to about 2000 kg of disposable stores carried in a lower-fuselage weapon bay, generally comprising two torpedoes or depth charges. Self Defence: A media report, dated 05 May 2007, stated that 15 KITE Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems were fitted aboard the Kamov and HAL Chetak helicopters. Also, an additional 47 KITE systems are on order and in various stages of production & integration. The KITE ESM system is an indigenous development by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL). Comments: A total of 13 Ka-28s (export version of the Ka-27PL) entered service with the Indian Navy in the mid-80s, including three equipped for the training role. Additional helicopters may have been purchased, but that cannot be confirmed. The Ka-28 was purchased to complement the Ka-25 and it's ASW capabilities are better than its predecessor. The helicopter is considered a quantum jump ahead of the Ka-25 in terms of ASW capability and versatility, with an endurance of over four hours. There is no commonality between the two types, the Ka-28 representing a 20-year technology leap, being equipped with advanced sensors, search-radar, computers, dipping sonar, data-link and MAD (magnetic anomaly detector) equipment. The Scientific Research Institute of Systematic Equipment at St. Petersburg, Russia is currently developing a variant of the Fagot anti-ship warfare suite for the Ka-28 helicopters in service with the Indian Navy. Unconfirmed reports, in September 2000, stated that five Ka-28s are currently in the Sevastopol Aircraft Enterprise, Russia where they are undergoing a major five-month overhaul. This information has not been confirmed from reliable sources. In December 2001, India Defence Consultants (IDC) reported that an $18-million deal for six additional Ka-28s have been placed by the Indian Navy. There has been no press release from the Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirming this. |
