Military Helicopters
Kamov Ka-31
ICAO: KA31
Overview
The Kamov Ka-50 is a single-seat attack helicopter developed for the Soviet military. Featuring a coaxial rotor system and heavy armament, it was designed for anti-armor and battlefield support missions. The aircraft stands out for its unique pilot-only configuration.
Live Fleet Activity (KA50)
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 2 × Klimov TV3-117VK
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 2 × 2,200 shp · 1,641 kW
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 1
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 44 ft 3 in · 13.50 m
- Tail height
- 17 ft 9 in · 5.40 m
- Fuselage diameter
- —
- Wing span
- 47 ft 7 in · 14.50 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 23,800 lb · 10,800 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 6,600 lb · 3,000 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 530 gal · 2,000 L · 1,600 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 150 kt · 173 mph · 278 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 630 nm · 720 mi · 1,170 km
- Fuel burn
- 1.15 nm/gal · 0.56 km/L
- Ceiling
- 18,000 ft · 5,500 m
- Rate of climb
- 3,150 ft/min · 16 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
Gallery
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Live fleet activity details
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Operational Context
Kamov Ka-50 Hokum — single-seat attack helicopter
The Ka-50 program began in the 1970s as a next-generation attack helicopter to complement existing Soviet designs. The prototype first flew in 1982, and limited service entry occurred in the 1990s. Its coaxial rotor system eliminated the need for a tail rotor and enhanced agility and survivability.
Powered by two Klimov TV3-117 turboshaft engines producing approximately 2,200 shaft horsepower each, the Ka-50 can reach speeds of around 165 knots (305 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 24,000 pounds (10,800 kg). Armament includes a 30 mm cannon and a range of rockets and guided missiles.
The single-seat configuration relied heavily on automation to reduce pilot workload. Although produced in limited numbers, the Ka-50 influenced later variants such as the two-seat Ka-52. It remains one of the most distinctive modern attack helicopter designs.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.