Not a single large-scale operation of modern troops is unthinkable without the support of helicopters. These high-speed and super-maneuverable rotary-wing vehicles transfer airborne groups and special forces units, deliver various technical means and equipment to hard-to-reach areas: mountainous, wooded and marshy areas. In addition, such mobile and movable vehicles provide fire support to ground forces and conduct reconnaissance and general coordination activities.
The Black Shark helicopter is the world's best single-day single-wing rotary-wing attack aircraft developed by the Kamov experimental design bureau in 1982. According to the technical excellence of its combat systems, it significantly exceeds the best similar foreign models. The Black Shark helicopter has a flight weight of 10.8 tons, is capable of speeds up to 390 km / h, rate of climb - 10 m / s, maximum height - 5500 m.
In the early eighties, the Ka-50 made an unprecedented sensation, having won a three-stage competition against the Mi-28 two-seater assault vehicle and while demonstrating an excellent set of combat qualities and technical characteristics. And immediately he was thrown into the crucible of the Afghan campaign, where many types of aviation equipment showed their failure. Therefore, a fundamentally new machine was needed, which would become a real bloodthirsty hawk and would be able to effectively solve combat missions in difficult conditions of a very specific war.
The Afghan mountains are the incredible dryness of rarefied air, these are deep narrow ravines where sharp changeable gusty winds walk, these are the mujahideen armed with DShK, American "Stingers", Egyptian "Arrows". Under such conditions, power plants often lacked oxygen, winds tossed cars at the cliffs, and each combat mission was akin to a feat. In these circumstances, the Ka-50 Black Shark helicopter was a real gift from Soviet designers.
This is not only unimaginably powerful, with excellent booking, but also very obedient in piloting. She forgives the pilot many mistakes, which is incredibly important in such difficult combat conditions. In the hands of the pilot, as if there is a herd of powerful and graceful mustangs, which will be taken out of any troubles and critical situations. In Afghanistan, for its fantastic qualities, the Black Shark helicopter was awarded another respectful and little-known nickname - Werewolf. According to NATO’s classification, the Black Shark is called “Hokum” (“deceiver”).
Military experts unanimously claim that no tank in the world can withstand the Ka-50 missile attack. This rotorcraft is a real perfect weapon generated by the war itself. Anti-tank missiles launched from the side of the Black Shark up to ten kilometers from the target, guided by a special laser guidance unit, inevitably and inexorably overtake the target of the attack, no matter what maneuvers it makes.
And if all the ammunition of the missiles is used up, the pilot has at his disposal a quick-firing large-caliber cannon that automatically tracks the location of the target, as well as unguided rockets and bombs. Despite such tremendous firepower and impressive armor protection, the Black Shark is capable of performing the most difficult maneuvers, incredible air acrobatic numbers and aerobatics, which is unattainable for the vast majority of modern rotary-wing aircraft.
The Ka-50 is the only helicopter in the world that is operated by one pilot. At the same time, an unprecedented K-37 ejection system was used to rescue the pilot in an emergency on the Black Shark. In addition, the machine is equipped with a navigation system that allows you to fly at any time of the day and under the most adverse weather conditions. The Black Shark helicopter has an absolutely amazing ability to interact with other machines of the battle group. Each pilot sees on a special LCD display not only all “their” helicopters, but also the coordinates of the targets they found. Based on these data, the commander orders the attack.
The good technical thoughtfulness of the Ka-50 scheme made it possible to create on its basis a new two-seater model of a military rotary-wing aircraft - the Ka-52, nicknamed the Alligator, whose design for eighty-five percent consists of the elements and materials of its predecessor. The latter, retaining many of the characteristics of its prototype, added new ones to them. Today, the tandem helicopter Ka-52 - "Black Shark" - the most perfect combination of military vehicles in the world. Together, they are able to solve just an incredible range of tasks. The all-devastating firepower and excellent booking of the Ka-50 are organically complemented by simply fantastic combat intelligence and the coordination capabilities of the Alligator.