Russia Begins Kamov Ka-52 Alligator Flight Tests

Russia has begun testing its new all-weather reconnaissance and attack helicopters Kamov Ka-52 Alligator.

In accordance with the assignment, the helicopter gunships perform the basic air maneuvers during an hour, the Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company’s press service said Wednesday.

"A test flight of the Alligator lasts for about an hour on the average. The helicopters perform the basic air maneuvers: ascent, hovering, turn and others under their flight test program," the statement said.

In addition, the Alligators can perform aerobatic maneuvers: the helicopters’ coaxial rotor system and capable pitch control allow them to efficiently perform such aerial maneuvers as the "flat turn" and "circle strafing", as well as the "slalom".

According to previous reports, Progress intended to boost the production of civil and military helicopters in 2018. Thus, the company plans to step up the manufacturing of the Ka-52 naval modification, a new civil multipurpose helicopter Ka-62 and the Ka-52 scout-attack helicopter, including for export, TASS reported.

It is planned to spend more than 1.5 billion rubles in 2016 on the modernization of the aircraft plant’s production capacity. In particular, its airfield base will be modernized, which will enhance the flight test safety and allow the helicopter crews to undergo training at the company’s base.