Kamov Ka-15 "Hen"

Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1952 · helicopter

The Kamov Ka-15 was a small Soviet coaxial-rotor helicopter designed for agricultural spraying, observation, and training duties. It was Kamov's first production helicopter featuring the coaxial twin-rotor layout that would define the bureau's designs.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, rotary
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	6.26 m fuselage
T — Tail	No tailplane

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Spot it by:

Small coaxial contra-rotating rotor helicopter
No tail rotor — Kamov signature design
Compact bubble-canopy cabin for two

Immediately identifiable by its two overlapping contra-rotating rotors on a single mast with no tail rotor. The compact fuselage ends in a short tail boom with twin vertical fins and a horizontal stabiliser.

Specifications

The Kamov Ka-15 has a length of 6.26 m (21 ft).
It has a wingspan of 9.96 m (33 ft).
Its maximum speed is 155 km/h (96 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

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

History

First flying in 1952, the Ka-15 entered production for the Soviet Union's civil and military sectors in the mid-1950s. It was particularly valued for shipboard operations due to its compact footprint requiring no tail rotor clearance.

Variants

The Ka-18 was a four-seat ambulance and utility derivative with an enlarged cabin; both types used the same basic coaxial rotor system.

Where you'll see it

The Ka-15 served with Soviet Naval Aviation for plane-guard and liaison duties aboard ships, and with Aeroflot for agricultural and survey work in rural areas.

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