Ka-58 "Black Ghost" : fictive attack helicopter
At the moment, there is not much official information on the Ka-58, which is understandable, given the level of military secrecy of such developments, and given tthe fact that it is not a real project, but rather a popular model kit. It is too early to talk about the Ka 58 as a real existing aircraft, but apparently in the Kamov Design Bureau this idea is no longer just in the air, but embodied in sketches and drawings. Proof of this was the appearance of the model by the Zvezda company helicopter and the name “Black Ghost”, whcih can tell a lot, since the box with the aircraft model clearly states “made under the license of the Kamov company”. But the license is probably no more than the use of the name, plus some paper napkin design hints.
The multi-purpose all-weather combat helicopter is equipped with a powerful complex of modern weapons, allowing combat operations at any time of the day and in any weather. The widespread use of technology "stealth" has reduced the visibility of the Ka-58. A large number of combat use options are provided, including 8 Zarya-2M anti-tank missiles, unguided aircraft missiles, air-to-air missiles, small arms and other weapons. The armor protects the cockpit and vital components from armor-piercing bullets of 12.7 mm caliber and fragments of 23 mm shells. The bailout system provides pilot rescue during critical situations.
It is believed that the main combat force in the event of a military collision is strike aircraft. Indeed, the ability to “iron” territory with cruise missiles and modern “smart” bombs gives an undeniable advantage in battle. Not surprisingly, in recent years, a fairly large number of models of strike aircraft have appeared. However, if the enemy is in a city that cannot be destroyed, or in a fairly open area with its own ground forces, the best solution is to use combat helicopters.
Russia successfully carried out special operations in Syria using modern attack helicopters. According to the level of combat potential, the Russian Ka-50 and Ka-52 produced by the Kamov concern are among the best in the world. The Ka-52 Alligator still terrifies terrorists. This helicopter is capable of hovering in the air, destroying enemy tanks, striking ground connections, destroying targets and even hitting aircraft at high speed. Such a combat unit is an excellent tool for victory in local battles.
Russian engineers understand that technology does not stand still, therefore, they are developing a fundamentally new reconnaissance and attack helicopter Ka-58, called the Black Ghost. The design of the Alligator at the time made a real sensation, because such helicopters were not created in Soviet times. Ka-58 will be an excellent successor to the technological appearance of a modern rotary-wing machine for combat.
One of the revolutionary features of the "Black Ghost" is to equip the system of "invisibility" - "stealth". The use of coatings for stealth affects the appearance of the development. On the body of the helicopter there are virtually no surfaces located at an angle of 90 degrees to the axis of the fuselage. The tetrahedral form of individual elements reduces the level of electronic radiation. This is a completely new design approach for Russia. It is worth noting that the Ka-58 is made according to the coaxial scheme of the screws. In the familiar appearance of the helicopters there is one large propeller for movement, as well as one small screw on the tail, which is responsible for stability and control. In the Ka-58, you can observe two rows of blades, one of which is responsible for control and maneuvering. The Alligator is designed in the same way.
The tail on the "Black Ghost" is V-shaped. Between it is a grill for engine exhaust. This significantly reduces the visibility of the rotorcraft in infrared radiation. It is possible that to reduce the "temperature background", which can be used to track the helicopter in the sky, a special exhaust gas cooling system is also used.
Judging by the layout, fairly powerful weapon systems can be assumed. "Black Ghost" can be equipped with a complex of anti-tank missiles of 8 units, unguided missiles in the amount of 40 pieces, as well as a powerful large-caliber airborne gun. Given the presence of an armored shell that can withstand rounds of 12.7 mm shells, as well as 23 mm fragmentation shells, it will be extremely difficult to hit the Ka-58. It is worth noting that the helicopter will be protected from attacks by enemy air defense. After all, he is capable of releasing heat traps, false targets, and more. "Black Ghost", justifying its name, can quietly get close to the enemy, inflict very powerful blows and defend itself in case of detection.
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