Kamov Ka-29TB "Helix-B"
Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise · Soviet Union · first flew 1976 · helicopter
The Kamov Ka-29TB is a Soviet naval assault and combat support helicopter derived from the Ka-27, distinguished by its wider fuselage, weapons-carrying stub wings, and the characteristic Kamov coaxial rotor configuration.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Stub wings carry weapons; flat-sided wider fuselage than Ka-27 |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Coaxial contra-rotating rotors — no tail rotor
- Naval assault helicopter based on Ka-27 platform
- Stub wings carry weapons; flat-sided wider fuselage than Ka-27
Coaxial rotors with no tail rotor, distinctively wide and boxy fuselage compared to western naval helicopters, and stub wings with weapons pylons are the primary identifiers.
Specifications
- The Kamov Ka-29TB has a length of 12.3 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.9 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 280 km/h (174 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the mid-1970s to provide Soviet naval infantry with a dedicated assault helicopter capable of operating from warship decks. The Ka-29TB entered service with the Soviet Navy in the 1980s and remains in limited Russian service.
Variants
The Ka-29 family includes the baseline TB assault variant and the RLD airborne early-warning version with radar; the Ka-27 ASW helicopter shares the same basic platform.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Soviet and subsequently Russian Navy from amphibious assault ships; not widely exported.
Related aircraft
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