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Ka-52 (Yellow 061) - A New Generation
Ka-52 (Yellow 061) at Maks 2007
Welcome back! this time around we are taking a look at a unit I’m most interested in, The Ka-52 Yellow 061.
Introduction and History of the Ka-52 (Yellow 061).
Yellow 061 was the first flying prototype of the Kamov Ka‑52 Alligator, converted from Ka‑50 serial no. 021, initially designated as testbed board number 061.
It took its first round‑circuit flight on 25 June 1997, following hovering trials earlier that year.
Served primarily as a pre‑production prototype, evolving the design from Ka‑50 to the side‑by‑side crew layout Ka‑52 format.
It rather than being combat‑ready, enabled testing of sensors, avionics and structural changes; later production examples (e.g. boards 062/063) refined and standardized these systems.
Also called “061 Black” when bearing black tactical numbers early in its test career.
Sometimes referred to in records as “cn 87980006003”
to put it simply "First Ka‑52 prototype shown by the ‘061’… essentially it was only a testbed for further models
History of the Ka-52
Its origins trace back to the Ka-50, a single-seat attack helicopter that first flew in the 1980s. The Ka-50 was known for its unique coaxial rotor system, which gave it excellent maneuverability and removed the need for a tail rotor. While the Ka-50 had strong performance and heavy armament, the lack of a second crew member made it less practical for complex missions.
In the late 1990s, the Russian military recognized the need for a more versatile platform with improved situational awareness and teamwork in the cockpit. This led to the development of the Ka-52, which retained the Ka-50’s core systems but introduced a side-by-side seating arrangement for a pilot and weapons officer. The Ka-52 also received upgraded avionics, new targeting systems, and modern communication equipment, making it more effective in both combat and coordination roles.
The Ka-52 made its first flight in 1997, but it was not until 2011 that it officially entered service with the Russian Armed Forces. Over the years, it has been used in a variety of roles including direct attack, armed reconnaissance, and as a command helicopter. Its ability to operate in adverse weather, hover in tight spots, and carry a wide range of weapons has made it a key asset in the Russian rotary-wing fleet.
The Ka-52 saw combat in Syria, where it provided close air support and targeted insurgent positions. Feedback from this deployment highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in avionics, protection, and missile capability.
This led to the development of the Ka-52K and ultimately the Ka-52M, a modernized version introduced in the early 2020s. The Ka-52M features improved armor, enhanced sensors, a new radar system, and compatibility with the latest guided missiles like the LMUR. It also includes better night-fighting capabilities and improved cockpit ergonomics. The Ka-52M is intended to replace earlier models and ensure the platform remains relevant in modern combat scenarios.
Ka-52 Yellow 061 seen with Hermes suspended.
Ka-52 Black 061 which is Ka-52 Yellow 061’s earlier form. (same aircraft)
This can be implemented as its own vehicle, preferably as the premium variant to the Ka-52 Yellow 061.
Specifications
- Crew: 2 (side-by-side configuration)
- Length: (rotor turning): 16.0m
- Rotor diameter: 14.5m
- Height: 4.9m
- Maximum takeoff weight: 10,800kg
- Powerplant: 2 × Klimov TV3-117VMA (2,200 shp each)
- Speed: 300km/h
- Range: 460km (without tanks)
- Service ceiling: 5,500m
- Climb Rate: 10m/s
Armament
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Guns
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- 30mm Shipunov 2A42 Autocannon (460 rounds)
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Air to Ground Missiles
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- x12 9K121 Vikhr
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- x8-x16 Hermes-A
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- x4 Kh-25ML (may be capable of the TV variant)
Hermes details
- Guidance system: Semi-active laser guidance + INS
- Range: 15-20km
- Speed: 1,000m/s
- Weight: 110kg
- Warhead: 27.5kg
- Explosive: 13kg
- Proximity fuse: Yes
“The Hermes missile system began development in the late 1990s to early 2000s, with the Hermes-A (air-launched variant) appearing publicly in the early 2000s. It was developed by KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula, Russia.”
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Air to Air missiles
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- x2-4 R-73
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- x8 Igla
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Rockets
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- S-13OF (High-Explosive Fragmentation)
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- S-13T (Tandem HEAT)
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- S-13DF (Thermobaric)
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- S-13D (Deep Penetration (HE)
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- S-13B (Anti-Runway / Concrete Penetrator)
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- S-8OM (HEAT)
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- S-8D (HE-Frag)
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- S-8DF (Thermobaric)
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Bombs
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- x4 FAB-100
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- x4 FAB-250
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- ZAB-100 (?)
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- ZAB-250 (?)
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Avionics & Systems
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- GOES-451 (prototype config) Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
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- Shkval Targeting System
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- L370-3M countermeasure dispenser
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- Shchel-3UM Helmet Mounted Display
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- K-37-800 ejection seats
Thing it’s missing over production Ka-52s
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- Lacks a Radar
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- Lacks DIRCM or any kind of IRCM
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- Seems to lack Ataka’s
Sources
KA-50 Sh/N versions - DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark - ED Forums
https://www.helis.com/database/cn/56317/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Helicopters/comments/1jmr5r8/does_anybody_know_anything_about_this_ka52_variant/
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/157959
Kamov Ka-50 - Wikipedia
Kamov Ka-52 Alligator - Russia - Air Force | Aviation Photo #1331243 | Airliners.net
