Kamov Ka-8
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founder | Nikolai Kamov |
| Headquarters | Soviet Union |
| Products | Helicopters |
The Kamov Ka-8 "Иркутянин", (Irkutyanin—named after Irkutsk), was a compact, single-seat Soviet helicopter that made its maiden flight in 1947. Serving as a forerunner to the Kamov Ka-10, the Ka-8 was equipped with a 27 hp M-76 engine, whose output was increased to 45 hp by utilizing alcohol as fuel. This model evolved from Kamov’s earlier KA-17 design.
Description
Mirroring the KA-17, the Ka-8 employed dual coaxial rotors spinning in opposite directions, eliminating the necessity for a tail rotor. Although Kamov was primarily recognized for his work on autogyros during this period, Soviet authorities prioritized helicopter development, prompting Kamov to create the Ka-8 as a "flying motorcycle" (vozdushnii mototsikl). Its blades were constructed from laminated wood covered with fabric and attached to a metal hub, based on the NACA-230 airfoil profile. The rotor's drag and flap hinges were actuated via stacked swash plates directly manipulated by the pilot. Positioned at the front were the engine and fuel tank, while a tail fin—later replaced by a rudder—was mounted at the rear. The aircraft landed on pontoons, supported by a framework of welded steel tubing. Initial handlebar controls were substituted with vertical collective and cyclic levers following flight tests conducted by Mikhail Gurov in 1947, who also oversaw the narrowing of the pontoons after evaluation.
Specifications
References
Notes
Bibliography
- Apostolo, Giorgio. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters. New York: Bonanza Books, 1984. ISBN 0-517-439352.