Kamov Ka-8 Irkutyanin
Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1947 · helicopter
The Kamov Ka-8 Irkutyanin ('Irkutsk Citizen') was the first helicopter designed by Nikolai Kamov's bureau, establishing the coaxial counter-rotating rotor system that would become the Kamov design bureau's signature. It was an extremely simple open-frame single-seat machine.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Minimal open-frame fuselage construction |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- First Kamov coaxial-rotor helicopter
- Minimal open-frame fuselage construction
- Single-seat experimental rotorcraft, Soviet 1947
Tiny open-frame helicopter with coaxial contra-rotating rotors and no tail rotor; at only 3.7 m long, it is one of the smallest helicopters ever built.
Specifications
- The Kamov Ka-8 Irkutyanin has a length of 3.7 m (12 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 5.6 m (18 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 80 km/h (50 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1947, the Ka-8 was essentially an experimental proof-of-concept for the coaxial rotor layout. Its minimal construction — little more than a seat, engine, and rotors — demonstrated the feasibility of the configuration that would later characterise the Ka-15, Ka-25, and Ka-27 families.
Variants
A single prototype; the concept was developed into the Ka-10 and subsequently into operational designs.
Where you'll see it
Experimental only; not adopted for service use.
Related aircraft
- Kamov Ka-10
- Kamov Ka-15
- Kamov Ka-18
- Kamov Ka-25
- Bristol Type 171 Sycamore
- Bristol Type 171 Sycamore Mk 1
- Kaman K-225
- McDonnell XH-20 Little Henry
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