Kamov Ka-15

Kamov

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1940
Headquarters	Russia
Products	Helicopters

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The Kamov Ka-15 (NATO reporting name Hen) was a Soviet two-seat utility helicopter featuring coaxial rotors. Its maiden flight occurred on 14 April 1952, piloted by test pilot D. K. Yefremov. Notably, it was the first coaxial helicopter to be produced in large quantities worldwide. After completing state acceptance trials in 1955, production commenced the following year at aircraft factory No. 99 located in Ulan-Ude. Serving as a forerunner to the Kamov Ka-18, the Ka-15 was equipped with a helicopter variant of the M-14 engine. Its primary applications included bush patrols, agricultural tasks, and fishery monitoring.

Design and development

Following the evaluation of the single-seat Kamov Ka-10 in 1950, Soviet Naval Aviation identified a need for a larger, more capable two-seat helicopter that retained the coaxial rotor system of the Ka-10 but incorporated an enclosed cabin. This requirement led to the development of the Kamov Ka-15, whose initial prototype began flight testing in early 1952.

Unlike the Ka-10’s open steel tube framework, the Ka-15 adopted a more conventional fuselage structure made from steel tubing. The forward section was covered with plywood, while the rear fuselage featured a stressed-skin construction using duralumin. The two crew members were seated side-by-side within an enclosed cockpit that offered extensive glazing; the pilot occupied the left seat and accessed the cabin through sliding doors on both sides. Positioned behind the cockpit was a 255 hp (190 kW) Ivchenko AI-14V radial engine powering the three-bladed coaxial rotors. A twin tail assembly was installed above the rear fuselage. The helicopter’s fixed landing gear included two main wheels and two castoring nosewheels, complemented by a tailskid beneath the aft fuselage.

Operational history

Beginning around 1955, the Ka-15 was introduced into service with Soviet Naval Aviation, performing reconnaissance missions from icebreaker vessels as well as liaison and training operations. Although trials were conducted fitting a dipping sonar system, the helicopter’s limited capacity prevented it from effectively fulfilling anti-submarine warfare roles. From 1958 onwards, a civil variant known as the Ka-15M was deployed by Aeroflot. This version undertook various functions such as crop spraying—where Kamov asserted it outperformed competing models like the Mil Mi-1—as well as power line and pipeline surveillance, airmail delivery, and air ambulance duties.

Variants

Ka-15

Light utility helicopter designed for two crew members, primarily utilized by the Soviet Navy.

Ka-15M

Civilian adaptation of the Ka-15, configured as a two-seat light utility helicopter.

Ka-18

Light utility helicopter accommodating four occupants.

Operators

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• Aeroflot
• Soviet Naval Aviation