Kamov Ka-27

The co-axial rotor system of the Kamov Ka-27 series of helicopters enables the elimination of the tail rotor along with shorter rotor blades. This makes the helicopters suitable for shipboard use, where space may be at a premium.The Kamov Ka-27 series helicopters are used on numerous Russian navy vessels in the roles of surface vessel attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, assault transport, aircraft carrier heli life guard, and submarine search and destroy.

The helicopter is used by India and Yugoslavia as an amphibious landing craft during naval operations. In this role it is armed with a machine gun and has wings which carry rockets.

In civil aviation the Kamov Ka-27 is used by the Russian airline Aeroflot for passenger transport and cargo hauling. In New Zealand  it is used in logging operations.  It can carry up to 8,800 lbs. of cargo in its hold or 11,000 lbs. of cargo on its cargo hook.

For antisubmarine operations, the helicopter is equipped with a nose mounted search radar, dipping sonar, and sonar buoys. Search and rescue aircraft have a rescue winch and searchlights in place of sonar.

The Naval assault version of the Kamov Ka-27 carries a crew of three who sit beside one another in a wide cockpit. The fuselage glass has been made to withstand small arms fire, and the areas around the cockpit and motors are armor plated.

Rather than a sliding cabin door, the door is hinged to allow for quick deployment of up to 16 combat equipped troops. Fuselage pylons hold guns, rockets, or guided missiles. Avionics include the addition of low light TV sensors, millimetric and FLIR aiming systems. A 12.7 mm four barrel machine gun and 30 mm cannon are housed in the helicopter's nose. For defensive measures the aircraft carries chaff and flare launchers.

Some 270 Kamov Ka-27 helicopters have been produced to date.