02.12.2009
On Nov 30, 2009 Russian co-axial helicopter Ka-52 for the first time performed deck landing on French multipurpose combat ship Mistral currently staying at St. Petersburg, informed press service of French defense ministry.
The ship which potential procurement is being intensively debating in Russia had arrived at St. Petersburg with a 4-day visit.
One of the visit's goals expected to be achieved is testing capability of the ship to carry Russian helicopters – ASW
Ka-27, transport/combat
Ka-29 and commander's
Ka-52.
Helicopter carrier
Mistral (L9013) was designed to carry French helicopters; so, the issue of its capability to carry Russian RWA - made under basically different layout (co-axial) - needs special research and probably engineering design changes of the carrier.
According to manufacturer's (DCNS) classification, helicopter carrier
Mistral (L9013) is a multipurpose ship of power and control projection. Standard displacement of the carrier is 16,500 tonnes (total – 21,300 tonnes), length is 199 meters, beam is 32 meters, draft is 6.3 meters.
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