Kamov Ka-10

Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1949 · helicopter

The Kamov Ka-10 was a small experimental coaxial-rotor helicopter built by Nikolai Kamov to explore shipboard helicopter operations for the Soviet Navy. It was among the very first Soviet helicopters to operate from a warship.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, rotary
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	Open-framework fuselage with single-seat exposed cockpit
T — Tail	No tailplane

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Spot it by:

Tiny coaxial-rotor helicopter — no tail rotor
Open-framework fuselage with single-seat exposed cockpit
Used for Soviet Navy shipboard trials

An extremely small open-framework helicopter with coaxial rotors and no tail rotor, a tiny fuselage barely enclosing the engine and pilot, and a simple skid undercarriage. Its diminutive size and open structure make it unmistakable.

Specifications

The Kamov Ka-10 has a length of 6 m (20 ft).
It has a wingspan of 6.18 m (20 ft).
Its maximum speed is 100 km/h (62 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1949, the Ka-10 was a direct development of the earlier Ka-8 autogyro-inspired design. It demonstrated the coaxial concept's suitability for shipboard use due to its compact footprint without a tail rotor. Only a handful were built for evaluation.

Variants

The Ka-10M was a slightly improved version with a more powerful engine. No production variants entered service; the Ka-10 led directly to the more capable Ka-15.

Where you'll see it

Evaluated by the Soviet Navy aboard cruisers in the early 1950s for observation and liaison duties. The type did not enter operational service but proved the coaxial concept for naval aviation, influencing subsequent Kamov designs.

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