Kamov Ka-50/52

The Kamov Ka-50/52 is the world’s first coaxial attack helicopter. The Ka-50 Black Shark and Ka-52 Alligator have entered service with the Russian Army in 1995. Developed in the mid 1980s, the Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark is also the world’s only single seat attack helicopter and the first production helicopter to be fitted with a zero-zero ejection seat.


After the Russians saw a bit of action in Afghanistan they decided they needed a new attack helicopter to replace the Mil Mi-24 Hind. The Hind was found to be too big and lacked the maneuverability needed in tight areas of conflict. The new attack helicopter needed to be smaller but able to carry a large variety of weapons. The Mil Mi-28 and Kamov Ka-50 were the two helicopters created to replace the Mi-24 Hind. Both helicopters have entered service, but the Ka-50 Black Shark ( NATO reporting name Hokum A ) has been chosen as a support helicopter for the Russian Special Forces, while the Mi-28 Havok is the Russian Army gunship.