Kamov Ka-27 Helix

   Development of the Ka-27 family began in 1969. The Ka-27 retains Kamov's well-proven contra-rotating co-axial rotor configuration, and has dimensions similar to those of the Ka-25.

   With more than double the power of the Ka-25 Hormone, the Ka-27 is a considerably heavier helicopter with a larger fuselage, but nevertheless offers increased performance with much-improved avionics and more modern flight-control system.

   The first production variant was the Ka-27PL Helix-A basic anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version, which entered service in 1982. The Ka-27PL's fuselage is sealed over its lower portions for buoyancy, while extra floatation equipment can be fitted in boxes on the lower part of the centre fuselage. Ka-27 is extremely stable and easy to fly, and automatic height hold, automatic transition to and from the hover and autohover are possible in all weather conditions. Ka-27PL has all the usual ASW and ESM equipment including dipping sonar and sonobuoys as well as Osminog (octopus) search radar.

   The main search and rescue (SAR) and planetguard Ka-27 variant is the radar-equipped Ka-27PS Helix-D. This usually carries external fuel tanks and flotation gear, and has a hydraulically-operated, 300-kg capacity rescue winch.

   Ka-28 Helix-A is the export version of the Ka-27PL ordered by China, India, Vietnam and Yugoslavia and with a revised avionics suite.