Kamov Ka-52

The Kamov Ka-52 Alligator, NATO reporting name Hokum B, is a twin-engined, two-seat combat helicopter with coaxial counter-rotating rotors, developed by the Kamov design bureau as the side-by-side, two-crew development of the single-seat Ka-50 Black Shark. The second crew member operates the reconnaissance and target designation suite, and both pilots sit on ejection seats. Compared with the Ka-50 it has a new nose radome carrying a targeting radar, a day and night television and thermal sighting turret under the nose, and six wing hardpoints instead of four. It first flew on 25 June 1997 and is produced by the Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company in Russia. It is a distinct aircraft from the Ka-50, and has export and naval derivatives including the Egyptian Nile Crocodile, the shipborne Ka-52K Katran and the modernised Ka-52M.