Thursday, March 28, 2024

Russian Ka-52 helicopter suffers excessive vibration

Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter reportedly suffering from serious structural deficiencies, due to exposure to significant vibratory load levels originating from coaxial rotor system.

In intensive operation conditions, Ka-52’s coaxial rotor system with stub wings creates high vibrations.

The real operating experience in the conditions of the war in Ukraine confirmed that the Ka-52 helicopter is prone to excessive vibrations that lead to mechanical failures and vibration-induced fatigue.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

Photos and videos that have appeared on social media show a range of different damage to Ka-52 helicopters caused by excessive body vibration during takeoff or landing. Russian combat helicopters are losing their landing gear fairings, and have cracks in the wings on which the main armament is suspended.

Severe imbalance in the rotating parts of Ka-52 leads to instabilities during flight making control difficult, if not impossible. Severe vibration can also affect avionics and navigation equipment.

In addition, one important issue is the degradation of instrument reading, which is a result of complex human-machine interaction. The Ukrainian military has already shot down several Russian attack helicopters from man-portable anti-tank missile systems at the moment when the crew was experiencing excessive vibration and could not keep track of the situation around.

According to TASS, the Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance/attack helicopter is designed to destroy tanks, armored and non-armored vehicles, manpower, rotorcraft and other enemy aircraft on the frontline and in the tactical depth, in any weather conditions and at any time. The helicopter is furnished with modern avionics while its coaxial rotor system and enhanced longitudinal control enable it to effectively maneuver and perform complex aerobatic operations.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Ukraine uncovers secrets of Russia’s new hypersonic missile

Ukrainian analysts have unveiled the classified specs of Russia's shadowy hypersonic cruise missile, the 3M22 Zircon, intercepted by US-made missile defense systems over Kyiv,...