Kamov Ka-92

Ka-92
A model of Kamov Ka-92 helicopter at HeliRussia 2009 exhibition.
Role Co-axial rotor high-speed transport helicopter
National origin Russia
Manufacturer Kamov / Russian Helicopters
Status Design study for competition

The Kamov Ka-92 is a high-speed coaxial helicopter design proposed by Kamov of Russia in competition with the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant for a $1.3 billion project by the Russian government for development of a high-speed helicopter.[1][2]

Design and development

The Kamov Ka-92 is part of a program of the newly established Russian Helicopters company, intended to create a new generation of medium-class helicopters capable of cruising at about 500 km/h (312 mph) and flying over a distance of up to 1400 km. Its preliminary design and some specification data were unveiled at the HeliRussia 2009 exhibition near Moscow.

The Ka-92 will feature a coaxial rotor system which is distinctive of Kamov products. As on the Mil Mi-X1, a pusher propeller will be used on the Ka-92, but the Kamov will use two instead of one as Mil has chosen. As Kamov Chief Designer Sergey Mikheev explained, the traditional design when the main rotor both lifts and pushes the aircraft forward functions only up to a speed of about 300 km/h due to retreating blade stall. "Now we plan to split the functions of horizontal and vertical flights between different rotors", said Mikheev.

The Ka-92 is planned as a 30-seat passenger helicopter with a takeoff weight of 16 tons. According to Mikheev, the first prototype will be powered by two Klimov VK-2500 engines equipped with a new gearbox.[3][4] However the designers plan to install more powerful 3,200 hp VK-3000 turboshafts as soon as the St. Petersburg-based Klimov Company finishes their development. With improved aerodynamics and two rear-mounted counterrotating pusher propellers, the Ka-92 is expected to reach a cruise speed of 420 to 430 km/h.

Development of the Mi-X1 and Ka-92 was switched from Ministry for Industry and Trade to Ministry of Defence in 2015 due to reduced government funding and high operating cost. A Russian Air Force general planned for a prototype to fly in 2018, with production in 2022.[5][6][7]

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kamov Ka-92.
  1. ^ Karnozov, Vladimir. "New Russian Naval Helicopter Project Makes Progress". Aviation International News. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  2. ^ "Ka-92". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  3. ^ Novichkov, Nikolai. Russia plans to challenge the West in high-speed helicopter market[permanent dead link] Aviation International News, 1 August 2009. Accessed: 7 February 2011.
  4. ^ Donald, David. "Russian Helicopters Pursues Mi-8/17 Replacement". Aviation International News. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  5. ^ Vladimir Karnozov. "High-speed Rotorcraft, Two Other Projects Canceled" Aviation International News, 21 August 2015. Archive
  6. ^ Gareth Jennings. Russia to begin production of new high-speed helo in 2022 - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 1 September 2015 Archive
  7. ^ Vladimir Karnozov. "Russian Military Still Funding High-Speed Rotorcraft" Aviation International News, 3 September 2015.
  • Russia & CIS Observer, May 2009.