Ka-27 Helix

The Kamov Ka-27 (NATO reporting name "Helix") is a naval multi-role helicopter developed by Kamov in the Soviet Union for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and troop transport. Utilizing coaxial contra-rotating rotors that eliminate the need for a tail rotor, the type officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in April 1981. It is operated by military and civil entities in nations including Russia, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, and South Korea.

Development

Design work on the Ka-27 began in 1969 to replace the Kamov Ka-25 while matching or reducing its external dimensions. The first prototype, designated Ka-252, flew in 1973, with a total of five prototypes and pre-series aircraft constructed. Series production commenced at the Kumertau plant in July 1979, leading to official entry into Soviet Navy service in April 1981. Over 240 units of the civil Ka-32 export family alone were produced by 2019.

Design

The Ka-27 features a coaxial contra-rotating main rotor design driven by two Isotov TV3-117V turboshaft engines rated at 1,660 kW each. The airframe uses a four-leg fixed landing gear and includes two lateral inflatable buoys for forced water landings. The operational crew consists of a pilot and navigator in the forward cockpit, along with a sonar operator seated behind them. Depending on the variant, avionics include search radar, dipping sonar, magnetic anomaly detectors, and sonobuoys, while modernized Ka-27M models integrate an under-fuselage FH-A active electronically scanned array radar.

Armament

The anti-submarine Ka-27PL features an internal bay configured for up to 36 sonobuoys or a single torpedo, such as the AT-1M, VTT-1, UMGT-1 Orlan, or APR-2 Yastreb. It can also carry six to eight conventional depth charges or a single nuclear depth charge. The Ka-29TB assault transport variant incorporates four external hardpoints for unguided rockets, bombs, gun pods, or 9K114 Shturm anti-tank missile launchers, complemented by a forward-firing 7.62 mm machine gun or an optional 30 mm 2A42 cannon.

Operational History

The Soviet Navy and Russian Naval Aviation systematically operated the Ka-27PL in pairs as hunter-killer anti-submarine teams. Export operations include China's acquisition of Ka-28 and Ka-31 variants for the People's Liberation Army Navy, and India's operation of 20 units. Syrian Navy Ka-27s saw use during the Syrian Civil War, and a Russian Navy unit performed deck landing training aboard USS Mount Whitney in July 2010. Operational losses include a Ka-29 shot down over Crimea in June 2024 and a Ka-27 destroyed at Yeysk airport in May 2026.

Variants

• Ka-27PL: Anti-submarine warfare variant fitted with search radar, dipping sonar or magnetic anomaly detectors, and depth charges or torpedoes.
• Ka-27PS: Search and rescue variant with anti-submarine equipment removed, equipped with a 300 kg hoist and cabin space for stretchers or seats.
• Ka-27M: Upgraded modification equipped with an FH-A active electronically scanned array radar and an integrated command and tactical radar system.
• Ka-28: Export variant of the Ka-27PL featuring an increased maximum takeoff weight of 12,000 kg and expanded fuel capacity.
• Ka-29TB: Armored assault transport variant designed to carry 16 troops, equipped with external hardpoints, anti-tank missiles, and cannons.