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Ka-52 Alligator Helicopter

Ka-52 Alligator Helicopter

Manufacturer: Kamov Design Bureau
Category: Military Helicopters
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Advanced Avionics Integrated flight and targeting suite with digital cockpit
High Maneuverability Coaxial rotor design enabling superior agility
Multi-role Capability Attack, reconnaissance, and command coordination
Superior Survivability Ejection seats, armored cockpit, ECM systems

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Ka-52 Alligator
Type / Role	Attack / Reconnaissance Helicopter
Country of Origin	Russia
Manufacturer	Kamov Design Bureau / Russian Helicopters
Introduced / Service Entry	2011
Operational Status	Active
Operators	Russia, Egypt

2. Performance

Maximum Speed (Road)	300 km/h
Cruise Speed	260 km/h
Range	460 km (Combat) / 1,100 km (Ferry)
Endurance	2.5–3 hours
Service Ceiling	5,500 m
Rate of Climb	12 m/s

3. Dimensions & Weight

Length	16.0 m
Height	4.9 m
Rotor Diameter	14.5 m
Empty Weight	7,700 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	10,800 kg

4. Armament & Payload

Primary Armament	30mm 2A42 Cannon
Secondary Armament	Vikhr/Ataka Missiles, S-8/S-13 Rockets
Hardpoints / Weapon Stations	6
Payload Capacity	2,000–3,000 kg
Countermeasures	Flares, Chaff, L370V28 Vitebsk ECM Suite

5. Avionics & Systems

Radar Name	Phazotron FH-01 Millimeter-wave Radar
Targeting System	Electro-optical turret / Thermal Imager
Navigation System	GLONASS / GPS / Inertial Navigation
Communication System	Secure Radio / Data Link
Defensive Systems	MAWS / RWR / Laser Warning Receiver

6. Powerplant

Engines	2 × Klimov VK-2500
Engine Model	Klimov VK-2500
Power Output	2,400 shp each
Fuel Capacity	1,600 L

7. Crew & Capacity

Crew	2 (Pilot + Co-Pilot)
Passenger Capacity	None
Cabin Configuration	Tandem Cockpit
Cargo Load (Internal/External)	N/A

8. Operational Capabilities

Night Operation Capability	Yes
All-weather Operation	Yes
Combat Proven	Yes (Syria)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Payload Capacity 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional maneuverability with coaxial rotor design
Heavy weapon payload capacity
Advanced avionics and targeting systems
Ejection seats enhance crew survivability
Proven combat effectiveness

CONS

Higher maintenance complexity
Limited export availability
Lower operational range than Western counterparts
Heavier radar signature
Dependence on Russian logistics chain

Ka-52 Alligator: Russia’s Twin-Seat Attack Helicopter

The Ka-52 “Alligator” is a next-generation, all-weather attack and reconnaissance helicopter developed by Kamov Design Bureau, a division of Russian Helicopters. Designed as a successor to the Ka-50 “Black Shark,” the Alligator serves as a two-seat, multi-role gunship capable of leading assault formations, coordinating air strikes, and engaging armored ground targets with precision.

Introduced into service in 2011, the Ka-52 is distinguished by its unique coaxial rotor system, eliminating the need for a tail rotor and allowing exceptional agility, stability, and compactness — particularly useful in confined or mountainous environments. Powered by two Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engines producing 2,400 shp each, the helicopter achieves a maximum speed of 300 km/h and an operational range of about 460 km.

The Alligator’s armament suite includes a 30mm Shipunov 2A42 cannon, Vikhr or Ataka anti-tank guided missiles, and S-8 or S-13 unguided rockets, making it one of the most heavily armed attack helicopters in active service. Advanced helmet-mounted target sighting, GLONASS/GPS navigation, and electro-optical targeting systems enable day-night and all-weather operations.

Equipped with composite armor, ejection seats, and a robust electronic countermeasure suite, the Ka-52 ensures high survivability in hostile environments. It has been combat-proven in Syria and continues to play a critical role in Russian Army Aviation as both a strike and command helicopter.

Ka-52 Alligator Price in US

The Ka-52 Alligator is valued at approximately $16–18 million per unit, depending on configuration and export modifications. Although primarily built for the Russian Armed Forces, several countries have shown interest in the platform due to its battlefield versatility and robust design.

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