Russian Navy Ordered First Batch of Ka-27M Shipborne Helicopters

21.05.2012 Russian Navy ordered first lot of Ka-27M modernized deck-based ASW helicopters from the Russian Helicopters holding, said the company's director general Dmitry Petrov at the HeliRussia-2012 exhibition taking place in Moscow.

"Russian Navy ordered first modernized antisubmarine helicopters Ka-27M", reports Interfax citing Petrov.

He declined to specify volume and delivery dates of the sale. "So far, the modernized helicopter continues state acceptance trials", Petrov said.

Answering the question whether the new helicopters powered by Russian turboprops TV7-117V would be delivered to Russian security ministries, Petrov said that "state trials for defense ministry and other security agencies are planned in prospect".

Ka-27 is designed for detection, tracing and destruction of submarines heading at the depths down to 500 meters, speeds up to 75 kph, and sea disturbance up to force 5, day and night, and under severe weather conditions.

Main rotor diameter is 15.9 meters; fuselage length is 12.25 meters; width is 3.8 meters; height is 5.4 meters; combat load weight is 2 tons; crew is 3-4 men; peak speed is 270 kph; flight range is 800 km.

As is planned, Ka-27 will be based on Mistral-class helicopter carriers to be bought from France in accordance with the signed contract.