Kamov Ka-60

Kamov

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1940
Headquarters	Russia
Products	Helicopters

The Kamov Ka-60 Kasatka (Russian: "Касатка", meaning "Killer Whale") is a Russian medium-sized twin-turbine military transport helicopter developed by Kamov. Its maiden flight occurred on 24 December 1998.

The civilian model is designated as the Kamov Ka-62.

Design

The Ka-60 is projected to fulfill a domestic military demand estimated at around 200 units, intended for use by Army aviation units, the Border Police, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.Template:Fix/category Its operational roles include aerial reconnaissance, transport of air-assault troops, radio-electronic warfare, special operations missions, and various light transport duties. Export variants are also anticipated. Production is planned to be carried out in Ulan-Ude.

The civilian Ka-62 model has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 6.8 t (15,000 lb) and can accommodate up to 15 passengers or carry between 2–2.5 t (4,400–5,500 lb) of cargo either internally or externally. It reaches a maximum speed of 167 kn (309 km/h) and offers a range of around 380 nmi (700 km). This variant features a five-blade main rotor combined with a shrouded tail rotor and is powered by twin Safran Ardiden 3G engines, with plans to incorporate in-development Klimov VK-1600 engines. Its gearbox, supplied by Zoerkler, includes a 30-minute run-dry capability, and the helicopter can maintain flight on a single engine up to an altitude of 9,500 ft (2,900 m).

Development

The helicopter's development timeline was extensive. Although the program commenced in 1984, the initial Ka-60-01 prototype did not take to the skies until December 1998, followed by a second prototype in 2007.

Originally, a civilian variant named the Ka-62 was proposed alongside the Ka-60 project launch. However, production was halted due to complications with the Ka-60's Saturn RD-600V engines rated at 1500 hp. Subsequently, in April 2011, an agreement was reached to equip an updated Ka-62 model with the 1,306 kW (1,751 hp) Turbomeca Ardiden 3G turboshaft engine. This version featured a new transmission system to power the main rotor, alongside a redesigned cabin incorporating larger windows and upgraded avionics. The Ka-62's maiden flight was targeted for May 2013, with certification anticipated in 2014. Plans included developing four prototypes and producing an initial run of 16 units for the Russian Ministry of Defence, complemented by an order for 12 helicopters from South American civilian operators. Russian certification was projected for 2018, followed by European EASA approval in 2020.

The Ka-62 made its public debut in 2012, with flight testing commencing five years later in 2017. After accumulating 700 flight hours over 434 test flights involving three prototypes, the helicopter received certification from Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia on 30 November 2021. Deliveries were scheduled to start in 2022, with production volumes planned at six units that year, increasing to eight in 2023 and ten in 2024. Additional equipment such as a cargo hook, winch, medical module, and anti-icing system were expected to be certified by 2024.

However, development and certification efforts for the Ka-62 were put on hold in late 2022 due to Western sanctions impacting access to numerous foreign components, including the French-made engine. Approximately 60% of the helicopter’s parts originated from Western suppliers and could no longer be imported.

In 2023, a company representative confirmed that design activities continued, focusing on potential replacements of Western-sourced components with domestically produced alternatives.

Variants

File:MAKS Airshow 2013 (Ramenskoye Airport, Russia) (cropped) copy.jpg

Ka-62 glass cockpit

Ka-60

Standard multi-purpose variant.

Ka-60U

Designed specifically for training purposes.

Ka-60K

Adapted for naval operations.

Ka-60R

Intended for reconnaissance missions.

Ka-62

Updated model targeted at the civilian sector, featuring a redesigned airframe with extensive composite materials, an expanded cabin compared to earlier prototypes, and powered by Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engines.

Ka-64 Sky Horse

Export model certified for Western markets, equipped with two General Electric T700/CT7 turboshaft engines and a five-blade main rotor.

Operators

File:MAKS Airshow 2013 (Ramenskoye Airport, Russia) (519-10).jpg

Ka-62 serial configuration prototype

Template:RUS

• Russian Aerospace Forces (order placed for 100 units)

Template:BRA

• Atlas Taxi Aereo (has ordered 7 units)

Template:COL

• Vertical de Aviación (with an order for 5 helicopters)

Specifications

File:Kamov Ka-60 Kasatka profile.png

Sources

• Butowski, Piotr. "Russia's Updated Helicopter". Air International, September 2012, Vol. 82 No. 3. pp. 66–67. Template:Issn.
• Butowski, Piotr. Russian Helicopters: The Crisis Continues. Helirussia, Moscow, 25–27 May 2017, "Lotnictwo Aviation International" No. 7/2017, pp. 44–45 (in Polish)
• Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.
• Mladenov, Alexander. "Kamov’s Six-Ton Twin". Air International, January 2014, Vol.86, No. 1. pp. 74–75. Template:Issn.
• Maldenov, Alexander. "Ka-62". Air International, June 2016, Vol. 90, No. 6. pp. 6–7. Template:ISSN.
• "Nezavisimaya Gazeta", No.241 (1812), 25 December 1998. translation

External links

• Kamov Ka-60