KAMOV KA-28 HELIX-A

Type: ASW helicopter.

Known Serial Numbers: IN-571
...............................IN-572
...............................IN-573
...............................IN-574
...............................IN-575
...............................IN-576
...............................IN-577
...............................IN-582
...............................IN-584
Number in Service: 13 (incl. 3 trainers).
Powerplant: Two Isotov TV3-117BK turbo shafts, each rated at 1660-kW (2225-shp), drive contra-rotating blades which have been shortened in length by comparison with those of the Ka-25 for better manoeuvrability on deck.
Operational Speed: 110 knots (204 km/h).
Service Ceiling: 12,000 ft. (3660 miles).
Range: 270 nautical miles (500 km).
Sensors: Splash Drop search radar, VGS-3 dipping sonar and sonobuoys.
Weapons: Up to about 2000 kg of disposable stores carried in a lower-fuselage weapon bay, and generally comprising two torpedoes or depth charges.
Comments: A total of 13 Ka-28s (export version of the Ka-27PL) entered service with the Indian Navy in the mid-80s, including three equipped for the training role. Additional helicopters may have been purchased, but that cannot be confirmed. The Ka-28 was purchased to complement the Ka-25 and it's ASW capabilities are better than its predecessor. The helicopter is considered a quantum jump ahead of the Ka-25 in terms of ASW capability and versatility, with an endurance of over four hours. There is no commonality between the two types, the Ka-28 representing a 20-year technology leap, being equipped with advanced sensors, search-radar, computers, dipping sonar, data-link and MAD (magnetic anomaly detector) equipment.
The Scientific Research Institute of Systematic Equipment at St. Petersburg, Russia is currently developing a variant of the Fagot anti-ship warfare suite for the Ka-28 helicopters in service with the Indian Navy. Unconfirmed reports, in September 2000, stated that five Ka-28s are currently in the Sevastopol Aircraft Enterprise, Russia where they are undergoing a major five-month overhaul. This information has not been confirmed from reliable sources. In December 2001, India Defence Consultants (IDC) reported that an $18-million deal for six additional Ka-28s have been placed by the Indian Navy. There has been no press release from the Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirming this.