Kamov Ka-31

The airborne early warning helicopter built for naval fleet defense

Russian Navy Kamov Ka-31. © Dmitriy Pichugin

Overview

Kamov Russia ICAO: KA31 1995–Present $29 million

The Kamov Ka-31 is a naval airborne early warning helicopter developed for fleet air defense. Equipped with a large rotating radar, it provides extended detection capability over maritime environments. The aircraft is based on earlier Kamov naval helicopter designs.

Live Fleet Activity (KA31)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Isotov TV3-117VMA
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 2,500 shp · 1,864 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
41 ft 0 in  ·  12.50 m
Tail height
18 ft 4 in  ·  5.60 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
52 ft 2 in  ·  15.90 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
27,600 lb  ·  12,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
8,800 lb  ·  4,000 kg
Fuel capacity
1,180 gal · 4,500 L · 3,600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
111 kt  ·  128 mph  ·  206 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
367 nm  ·  420 mi  ·  680 km
Fuel burn
0.50 nm/gal  ·  0.24 km/L
Ceiling
16,404 ft  ·  5,000 m
Rate of climb
3,050 ft/min  ·  15 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Indian Navy Kamov Ka-31

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Operational Context

Kamov Ka-31 — naval airborne early warning helicopter

The Ka-31 was developed in the 1980s from the Ka-29 airframe to provide shipborne airborne early warning capability. It first flew in 1987 and entered service in the 1990s. The helicopter retains Kamov’s coaxial rotor system, allowing compact storage aboard ships.

Powered by two Klimov TV3-117 engines producing roughly 2,200 shaft horsepower each, the Ka-31 cruises at approximately 135 knots (250 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is about 27,500 pounds (12,500 kg). The retractable radar antenna beneath the fuselage enables wide-area surveillance coverage.

The Ka-31 has been operated by several naval forces to extend radar coverage beyond the horizon of surface ships. Its ability to operate from frigates and aircraft carriers enhances fleet situational awareness. The aircraft remains a specialized but important component of naval air defense systems.